EU Leaders Show Strong Support for Moldova’s EU Bid. The leaders of France, Germany, and Poland voiced strong support for Moldova’s push to join the European Union during a symbolic visit on Wednesday. They also condemned Russian “lies” and “hybrid attacks” targeting the country.
While earlier, a Russian deputy foreign minister said in remarks published that Russia would seek “ironclad” guarantees in any peace deal on Ukraine that NATO countries will expel Kiev and that Ukraine will remain neutral.
A Visit Ahead of a Tense Election
The visit took place just one day before campaigning begins for Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections. The vote is expected to be tense, with claims of Russian interference increasing.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Moldova’s President Maia Sandu to mark the country’s 34th Independence Day.
Clear Message Against Russian Influence
Speaking at a joint press conference, Macron rejected Russian narratives.
“The Kremlin’s propaganda tells us that Europeans want to prolong the war and that the EU oppresses people. These are lies,” he said.
He also emphasized that the EU “respects everyone’s sovereignty” and poses no threat, unlike Russia.
Merz assured Moldova that the “door to the European Union is open” and promised Germany would support the opening of EU accession talks this autumn.
“Moldova’s democracy is in the crosshairs, online and offline,” he warned, referring to ongoing Russian hybrid attacks.
Sandu: “No Alternative to Europe”
President Sandu welcomed the visit as a powerful show of support.
“There is no alternative to Europe for Moldova,” she said. “Our independence, our sovereignty, our peace are tested more than ever.”
She accused Moscow of trying to destabilize the country through pressure and interference.
“These are immense pressures. But it is up to us whether they divide us or stop us on our path,” Sandu said.
Celebrations & Symbolic Support
The three EU leaders were scheduled to speak during the evening Independence Day celebrations in Chisinau’s central square. A concert was also planned.
Political analyst Valeriu Pasha described the visit as a “strong sign of support” and a “symbolic message to Russia” that Europe is watching closely.
He noted that this was the first joint visit of the Weimar Triangle leaders to Moldova.
Concerns Ahead of the Election
While Sandu’s pro-EU PAS party is expected to perform well in the elections, the outcome is uncertain.
Russian interference remains a major concern, with allegations of vote-buying and illicit campaign financing.
Sandu has warned that Moscow is preparing “unprecedented interference” in the vote, claiming up to €100 million may be funneled into Moldova through cryptocurrency and other illicit means.
Wider Context: Peace Talks Stalled
The visit also comes as international efforts to end the war in Ukraine appear to be stalling. France and Germany have both said the next move is up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
