Moldova remains committed to a pro-EU path, affirms Popescu in our interview, defying potential Russian threats.

Moldova, a small nation sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, has been making significant strides towards stability and European integration, despite facing numerous challenges from its eastern neighbour, Russia.

Over the past few years, multiple incidents of Russian drones and missiles transiting Moldovan airspace have been reported. This is not a new development, as Russia has supported separatism in Moldova and maintained an illegal presence in Transnistria since the 1990s. Russia's interference in Moldova's politics extends to illegal party financing, buying votes, and financing political operatives, journalists, and influencers with large amounts of illegal money. Additionally, Russia has imposed blockades on dairy products, fruit, and vegetables, and used energy as a tool of pressure against Moldova.

Despite these challenges, Moldova has demonstrated resilience and determination. In 2023, the European Commission assessed that Moldova had demonstrated very good progress on eight of the 35 chapters, placing Moldova among the EU candidate countries with the fastest rate of adoption of the Acquis Communautaire. This progress was recognised when Moldova received European Union candidate status on 22 June 2022.

Moldova's progress extends beyond political integration. The country has made significant strides in energy independence and the green transition. About a third of Moldova's energy comes from renewable sources in the summer of 2022, a significant achievement for a nation that previously relied heavily on gas supplies from Russia. The sudden cut-off of these supplies two years ago caused a shock to domestic prices, but Moldova has since adapted and is moving towards a more sustainable energy future.

Infrastructure development has also been a priority. Since 2022, there has been significant progress in road building in villages, improving connectivity and accessibility across the country.

The future of Moldova's political landscape is uncertain, with parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28, 2025. However, former Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Nicu Popescu, is confident that Moldova will uphold stability and maintain its pro-European direction. Popescu, who has held key roles in Moldova's government between 2019 and 2024, announced his intention to re-join the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) and stand in the election in September 2022, describing it as 'the most important in the recent history of the Republic of Moldova'.

The support of international allies has been crucial in Moldova's journey. The EU, NATO, and the US are on track to strengthen their shared security capacity and maintain peace in Europe. The Moldova Support Platform, launched by Romania, France, and Germany, has been fundamental in keeping Moldova stable economically and in security terms.

On 27 August 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders of the Weimar Triangle (Germany and Poland) spoke to 100,000 people in Chisinau's main square on Independence Day, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Moldova's pro-European trajectory.

NATO remains committed to investing seriously in security and defense, a move that would allow the US to reposition some of its forces. This increased military presence could provide a deterrent against potential Russian aggression.

However, Moldova faces significant challenges to its democracy from ongoing Russian hybrid threats, including disinformation campaigns, vote-buying, and cyberattacks. To counter these influences, the EU and Moldovan authorities have prioritised strengthening institutional resilience, rule of law, and anti-corruption reforms.

As Moldova continues on its path towards European integration, it will need to navigate these challenges and maintain its commitment to democracy and the rule of law. With the support of its international allies and the determination of its people, Moldova has a chance to secure a stable and prosperous future.