Presidential and royal visit to NUPI

President Sandu gave introductory remarks at a special event at NUPI, titled “Moldova’s role in European security: What’s at stake?”, followed by a discussion and Q&A session with NUPI Director Kari Osland.

Important decision

Moldova will have three very consequential elections this year and next: Presidential elections and a European Union membership referendum in October this year and Parliamentary elections in the summer of next year.

At stake in October, is Moldova’s current trajectory from EU membership candidate status towards full EU accession. Then, Moldova will decide whether the country should amend its Constitution in a way that might prevent future governments from derailing the county from this path.

Influence and pressure from Russia

This decision is important, both for Moldova and for the rest of Europe.

Ukraine is currently defending itself against Russia’s full invasion. Meanwhile, Moldova is also facing challenges posed by Russia's influence and pressure. These challenges include the presence of Russian military forces in Transnistria, the effects of fluctuations in the supply and price of gas, and Russian support for political parties and movements that have pro-Russian sentiments. Additionally, there is a looming threat of information warfare aimed at influencing Moldovan public opinion.

Further reading:

• How can the EU promote democracy in Eastern Europe and Western Balkans in a time of war?

This situation raises difficult and important questions regarding Moldova’s integrity and development as a sovereign European democracy, its future relationship with the EU, how the war in Ukraine affects Moldova and its contributions to European security.

Against this backdrop, President Sandu and Director Osland discussed Moldova´s role in European security.

For more resources on this topic, visit the NUPI-led project reENGAGE's web page.