A strategy for Moldova

The Republic of Moldova, a sliver of land bordering the European Union (EU) and NATO’s eastern edge, finds itself at a critical crossroads twenty-seven years after gaining independence from the Soviet Union. Eager to forge closer ties with Brussels and Washington, the government has made concerted efforts to bring the country closer in line with the West’s expectations and conditions required for a strong ally and partner. Genuine progress has been made over the past couple of years and the country has achieved financial and economic stability with the support of its development partners; it has reached over 4 percent economic growth, lowered inflation, fixed huge problems in the banking sector, and replaced Russia with the EU as its main trading partner.

Moldova and progress

Since its independence, Moldova has sat on the divide between East and West. To ensure its influence in Moldova, and like other nations in the region, has moved fitfully toward an open society and market economy.

UkraineAlert

Sep 22, 2025

Moldova accuses Russia of election interference ahead of key vote

By Aidan Stretch

Moldova is raising the alarm over Russian interference ahead of this weekend’s parliamentary election amid fears that a pro-Kremlin victory could derail Moldova’s EU ambitions and create a new front in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, writes Aidan Stretch.

Conflict Corruption

New Atlanticist

Jan 10, 2025

Moldova is the real loser from the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine

By Suriya Evans-Pritchard Jayanti

The energy crisis in Moldova after the end of Russian gas transit highlights the urgent need for Chișinău to reform its energy sector.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

Transcript

Nov 21, 2024

Congressman Michael McCaul on why a deal with Russia on Ukraine must have ‘enforcement’

McCaul addressed the threat that Russian aggression poses to US interests, highlighting Moscow’s expanding alliances with North Korea, Iran, and China.

Conflict Crisis Management

UkraineAlert

Oct 24, 2024

Moldovan and Georgian elections highlight Russia’s regional ambitions

By Katherine Spencer

Russia is playing a key role in elections currently underway in Moldova and Georgia, underlining Moscow’s determination to retain its regional influence despite challenges created by the invasion of Ukraine, writes Katherine Spencer.

Civil Society Conflict

New Atlanticist

Oct 21, 2024

Five questions (and expert answers) about Moldova’s elections

By Atlantic Council experts

Moldova narrowly voted to add the goal of EU membership to its constitution, and pro-Western President Maia Sandu advanced to a runoff. Our experts interpret the results and preview what’s coming next.

Disinformation Elections

However, at the same time, the country is backsliding in some key areas. Democracy appears to be on the decline; a legitimate election of mayor in the capital of Chisinau was recently voided; the judicial system remains controlled by powerful insiders; and independent media is almost nonexistent. This report will highlight some of the extensive progress made by Moldova’s government and citizens as well as provide suggestions on how to ensure that democracy is not lost, and the rule of law is developed during a critical period in the country’s political and economic development.

Related Experts: Anders Åslund and Timothy Fairbank