Moldova’s referendum on joining the European Union hangs in the balance, with preliminary results indicating a tight race. While a majority of voters appear to have rejected the proposal, concerns over Russian interference have raised doubts about the legitimacy of the outcome. Moldovan authorities accuse Moscow of funding pro-Kremlin groups, spreading disinformation, and even orchestrating a massive voter-buying scheme to influence the result.
The United States has imposed new visa restrictions and is reviewing its relationship with Georgia due to the country’s Russian-style ‘foreign influence’ law. The new visa policy will target those responsible for undermining Georgia’s democracy, along with their family members. The US is also considering a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation with Georgia. The law requires NGOs and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as bodies ‘pursuing the interests of a foreign power.’ Critics argue that the move resembles Russian legislation used to silence dissent and may hinder Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership. The Georgian government maintains that the law aims to increase transparency but faces accusations of steering the country away from Western influence and back towards Russia.
