Many Europeans would not know how to place it on the map, but Chisinau has donned the broad costume of the center of the Old Continent. Bulboaca, a wine estate located 35 kilometers from the Moldovan capital, welcomes this Thursday Emmanuel Macron and around fifty leaders at the second summit of the European Political Community.
Bordering Ukraine, the former Soviet republic lives in fear of Russian attacks and faces a “frozen conflict” with the separatists of Transnistria. In this context, the great diplomatic rout is timely for Maia Sandu, the pro-European Moldovan president, who wants to strengthen ties with the organization with a view to joining.
What is this story of Russian destabilization?
Maia Sandu does not hide it. The Moldovan president accused Moscow last February of preparing “violent attacks” in Moldova. Faced with threats, confirmed by the Ukrainian neighbor who claims to have got his hands on documents showing a Russian plan, the politician unveiled a legislative project to strengthen “national security”.
The situation even “worried” Washington, while Moscow denied any “destabilization plan” with regard to Moldova. The small republic of less than 3 million inhabitants also has to deal with the presence of Russian soldiers and a large stock of ammunition in the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria. On Tuesday, the EU also adopted sanctions against seven people accused of being linked to “Russia’s efforts” to destabilize the country.
Where is the EU accession process?
Present in the Moldovan capital on Wednesday, Ursula Von der Leyen hailed the “enormous progress” made by the country, which has initiated reforms with a view to joining the EU. “It is impressive to see that despite all the pressure, Moldova is moving forward quickly and qualitatively,” praised the President of the European Commission.
In June 2022, Moldova, along with Ukraine, obtained the status of official candidate for entry into the EU. The European Commission must now work on written recommendations, before a decision by the Member States expected in December. If the signals are positive, then Chisinau will be able to start negotiations on the terms of membership. A huge challenge for Moldova, one of the poorest countries in Europe, which has a GDP per capita eight times lower than in France.
Pro-Russian separatists at war with power
A pebble barely 200 kilometers long in the shoe of Chisinau. Moldova must come to terms with the threat of a Russian-speaking region which has desires for independence, Transnistria. This region, which seceded in 1992 and has its own government, has never been recognized by the international community.
But it can count on the help of Russia, which has soldiers there. Despite the “frozen conflict” for a few years, Chisinau regularly calls for the demilitarization of the area.