The Moldovan government is making a strong effort to bolster support for EU accession among its divided population, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite the country’s deep polarization between pro-EU and pro-Russian factions, a slim majority of Moldovans are in favor of joining the EU. The government is working hard to counter Russian propaganda that spreads negative ideas about Moldova’s prospects for European integration. Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popşoi recently visited Brussels to reaffirm the government’s commitment to EU accession, emphasizing that Moldova’s future lies in the West.
With the war in Ukraine bringing international attention to Moldova, the country’s strategic importance as a logistics hub for Ukraine’s war efforts has been underscored. Additionally, Moldova’s long-standing issue with Russian influence in the breakaway region of Transnistria has put the country in a challenging position. The Moldovan government believes that a ceasefire alone will not resolve the conflict in Ukraine, advocating for a more comprehensive solution to address breakaway regions. The Transnistrian question has been a major obstacle in Moldova’s post-Cold War political development, with Russian troops and munitions present in the region.
Moldova’s government acknowledges that it is not in a position to impose or suggest outcomes for the conflict in Ukraine, given its own frozen conflict with Transnistria. Despite this, they believe that the Transnistrian issue should be on the agenda for any potential peace agreement in Ukraine. The presence of Russian troops and munitions in Moldova is a further complicating factor that must be addressed in any settlement. Moldova hopes that discussions about a peace agreement for Ukraine will also lead to progress on the Transnistrian issue, with the ultimate goal of resolving long-standing tensions in the region.
The intense polarization within Moldovan society poses a significant challenge to the country’s efforts to pursue EU accession. While the majority of Moldovans support joining the EU, the government must contend with Russian propaganda that seeks to undermine those efforts. Moldova looks to countries like Romania and the Baltic states as examples of successful European integration and aspires to follow in their footsteps. The government understands the importance of combatting negative narratives about Moldova’s European future and is actively working to demonstrate progress on its path to EU accession.
The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted Moldova’s strategic significance in Eastern Europe and brought attention to its complex relationship with Russia. With the war in Ukraine ongoing, Moldova finds itself in a delicate position as it navigates its own internal divisions and external pressures. The government is committed to working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and sees the potential for progress on the Transnistrian issue as part of broader peace negotiations. Moldova’s leaders are determined to secure a European future for the country and are taking active steps to strengthen their relationship with the EU and reaffirm their commitment to European integration.
