Russia has intensified its attempts to sway Moldovans abroad in Europe by disseminating disinformation, according to Stanislav Secrieru, Moldova’s national security chief, as reported by POLITICO last month.
Moldova’s presidential election last year, which saw liberal leader Maia Sandu win reelection, faced allegations of Russian meddling. Moscow also interfered in a parallel EU membership referendum, where Moldovans narrowly voted in favor of joining the bloc.
In July, Sandu cautioned against “unprecedented election meddling” before September’s election.
“The Russian Federation aims to control the Republic of Moldova from autumn onward,” she stated.
European nations are contemplating opening an initial “negotiating cluster” for Moldova — an essential legal step toward EU membership — early next month after an EU ministers’ meeting, according to three diplomats and an EU official.
This move might send a positive signal to Moldova’s pro-EU electorate but could upset Ukraine, whose EU bid is stalled by Hungary. The membership pursuits of both countries have progressed similarly since receiving an initial nod from the European Council in 2023.
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