Germany has pledged unwavering support for Moldova, linking its fate to the outcome of the war in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, speaking at a conference in Chisinau focused on Russian interference in the region, declared that any assistance provided to Ukraine also bolsters Moldova’s stability. She highlighted the critical threat posed by Russia’s war, stating that Moldova’s survival depends on Ukraine’s success.
The Moldova Partnership Platform, initiated by Germany after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, aims to stabilize Moldova’s economy and protect it from Russian disinformation. Baerbock’s visit, alongside counterparts from France, Romania, Poland, the Netherlands, and Lithuania, underscored the international community’s concern for Moldova’s security. The country, with a Romanian-speaking majority and a sizable Russian-speaking minority, has experienced a complex history with alternating pro-Russian and pro-Western governments since the fall of the Soviet Union. Currently, Moldova has a strong Western-oriented administration, but Moscow still maintains troops in a region where pro-Russian separatists broke away from Chisinau’s control in the early 1990s.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who has accused Russia of attempting to overthrow her government, emphasized the ongoing challenges facing the country. She acknowledged the significant economic damage caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting the uncertainty and hindered economic development. Sandu urged partners to increase their support, emphasizing the need to mitigate the war’s impact on Moldova’s economy.
The conference witnessed concrete pledges of assistance to Moldova, including over €300 million in loans and €80 million in grants. Additionally, the conference offered support for Moldova’s ambitious goal of joining the European Union by 2030. France, Germany, and Poland, known as the Weimar Triangle, expressed their unwavering support for Moldova’s EU bid and pledged to assist the Moldovan armed forces in defending the country both bilaterally and as EU partners. In May, Moldova signed a security and defense partnership with the EU, marking a significant step in its alignment with the bloc.
The international support for Moldova, particularly its strong connection to Ukraine’s success, underscores the geopolitical complexities of the region. As the war in Ukraine continues, Moldova’s future hangs in the balance, with its survival intricately tied to the wider regional security environment. The international community’s commitment to supporting Moldova’s stability and its aspirations for EU membership remain crucial in navigating these complex geopolitical dynamics.
