Moldova's EU Future Depends on September Parliamentary Election

Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasized that the country's future in the European Union depends on the choice of its citizens in the upcoming parliamentary elections, where her pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) seeks to retain its majority against pro-Russian challengers, particularly the Socialist Party. Sandu, aiming for Moldova to join the EU by 2030, highlighted that prosperity and peace require collective effort and unity, urging citizens to stay committed to the European path. The country, one of Europe's poorest, narrowly approved a referendum supporting EU membership, and Sandu’s party condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and accuses Moscow of attempting to destabilize Moldova, while Russia claims many Moldovans wish to maintain close ties with Moscow. Opinion polls indicate that no party is likely to secure an outright parliamentary majority, potentially requiring coalition talks among pro-European forces. At the first EU-Moldova summit, attended by EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, the EU announced the disbursement of the first €270 million tranche of an Economic Growth Plan for Moldova and measures like eliminating roaming charges for Moldovans traveling in EU countries. The European Commission noted steady reform progress in Moldova, reinforcing EU support amid regional tensions.