European Leaders Rally Behind Moldova Amid Rising Russian Tensions

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:00:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Leaders from France, Germany, and Poland visit Moldova to support its EU accession ambitions, warning of Russian interference ahead of critical elections.

Amidst escalating threats from Russia, leaders from France, Germany, and Poland have expressed strong support for Moldova's aspirations to join the European Union. This visit coincides with Moldova's Independence Day and is pivotal as the country approaches an important parliamentary election that may be influenced by pro-Russian factions. President Maia Sandu's administration is focused on establishing closer ties with Europe, emphasizing that EU membership is within reach and essential for national security.

European Leaders Rally Behind Moldova Amid Rising Russian Tensions

Leaders from France, Germany, and Poland have travelled to Moldova to show support for the country's accession to the EU and warn of Russia's relentless efforts to undermine that ambition.

The visit comes as Moldova marks 34 years of independence from Moscow, declared as the Soviet Union fell apart. But it also takes place a month before critical parliamentary elections where EU and Moldovan officials fear pro-Russian elements could gain ground.

Flanked by European heads of state, Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu told her country that it proved EU membership was not a distant dream, but a project we are working on, one that is vital as a guarantee of security.

The merciless war that Russia wages against Ukraine shows us daily that Europe means freedom and peace, whilst Putin's Russia means war and death, the president said, emphasizing the proximity of Ukraine and the threats posed by Russian aggression.

In response to fears of external interference, particularly from Russia, Sandu's party, PAS, is focused on reforms and the EU accession process, after starting formal talks last year.

However, polls suggest PAS may lose its majority in upcoming elections, prompting the president to seek European support vigorously on Moldova's Independence Day to make its EU aspirations irreversible.

Macron and Tusk, among other leaders, echoed their endorsement of Moldova's commitment to the EU, aligning their message of solidarity and confidence in its journey towards membership.