Amidst growing concerns about Russian influence in the region, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has stressed the vital role of supporting Ukraine in stabilizing Moldova. Speaking at a conference addressing the issue, Baerbock stated that “everything that we do to support Ukraine also means fostering stabilization with regards to Moldova.” She highlighted the shared anxiety in Moldova, emphasizing that “if Ukraine falls, Moldova is the next country in line.”
Baerbock’s visit to Chisinau for the Moldova Partnership Platform, alongside counterparts from France, Romania, Poland, the Netherlands, and Lithuania, underscored the international concern for Moldova’s security. This initiative, spearheaded by Germany, one of Ukraine’s key military backers in Europe, aims to bolster Moldova’s economy and shield it from Russian disinformation campaigns.
Moldova, with its Romanian-speaking majority and significant Russian-speaking population, has experienced a fluctuating political landscape since the fall of the Soviet Union, oscillating between pro-Russian and pro-Western governments. Currently, the nation boasts a robust Western-oriented administration. Notably, Russia maintains troops in a region where pro-Russian separatists broke away from Chisinau’s control during a brief war in the early 1990s.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who has accused Russia of attempting to overthrow her government, acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the nation and urged partners to increase their support. Sandu emphasized the devastating impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine on Moldova’s economy, stating, “The uncertainty caused by the war continues to seriously hinder our economic development and will continue to hinder it as long as the war lasts.”
The Moldova Partnership Platform yielded concrete results, with agreements signed to provide Moldova with over €300 million in loans and €80 million in grants. Allies also expressed their support for Moldova’s bid to join the European Union.
Under Sandu’s leadership, Moldova, strategically located between Ukraine and NATO and EU member Romania, aspires to join the EU by 2030. France, Germany, and Poland, collectively known as the Weimar Triangle, have affirmed their “unwavering and continuous support for Moldova” in its EU membership quest. The countries have also committed to bolstering the Moldovan armed forces, providing both bilateral and EU-partner support to defend the nation.
In May, Moldova made history by signing a security and defense partnership with the EU, becoming the first country to secure such an agreement with the bloc. This comprehensive partnership further underscores the international community’s commitment to supporting Moldova in its quest for stability and security amidst the ongoing challenges posed by Russian influence.
