A discussion with
H.E. Vlad Filat  
President
Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM)

Moderated by
Mr. Damon Wilson
Executive Vice President
Atlantic Council

Moldova is heading into pivotal elections this November which will determine whether the country maintains its current path towards greater European integration. This election takes place against the backdrop of destabilization in neighboring southern and eastern Ukraine, separatist sentiments stirring in Transnistria, and ominous statements by Russian officials insisting on "revising economic relations" should Moldova sign the Association Agreement with Brussels next month.

The next six months will be a critical time for Moldovan leaders including former Prime Minister of Moldova Vlad Filat to demonstrate the benefits of Moldova's European choice, and for the United States and the European Union to demonstrate their support.

Join the Atlantic Council as we discuss the current political climate in Moldova and its European aspirations in the context of Russia's assertive foreign policy. Mr. Filat will offer his perspective on conditions in Europe's East and his party's plan for continuing Moldova's engagement with its Western neighbors.

Vladimir Filat served as prime minister of the Republic of Moldova from September 2009 until April 2013, and currently serves as president of the center-right Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM). Filat's tenure as prime minister was marked by efforts to promote European integration, improve infrastructure, modernize government services, and combat corruption. Under his government, Moldova first began pursuing an Association Agreement with the European Union, expected to be signed in mid-2014, as well as visa-free travel for Moldovans to EU countries, which began in April 2014. Filat accepted the Atlantic Council 2011 Freedom Award on behalf of the people of Moldova at the Wroclaw Global Forum.