EU enlargement faces external influence. Marta Kos: "Some Moldovan priests and teachers were trained in Russia"
For the first time in the European Union's history, the enlargement process is being impacted by external forces that aim to undermine it, warned European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos during a plenary session of the European Parliament. She specifically referenced the Republic of Moldova, where she stated that concrete instances of propaganda and influence from Russia were identified.
“We are aware of the priests who were taken to Russia, as well as the teachers from Moldova who went to Russia to receive Russian-language textbooks and training. This prompted us to visit the Russian-speaking and Bulgarian-speaking areas of minority communities. Consequently, for the first time in history, the European Union has launched a rapid response team for hybrid threats in Chisinau, aimed at combating Russian propaganda,” stated Marta Kos.
The official also pointed out that the enlargement process could be expedited if not all decisions were subject to unanimous approval, highlighting that this requirement hinders progress for countries like the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.
“What we can do in the enlargement process is accelerate the technical aspects, for which I am responsible, so we don’t have to rely on 150 unanimous decisions. It would be much easier to make progress in the enlargement process without so many unanimous requirements. Of course, important decisions, such as the start and conclusion of accession negotiations, must be taken unanimously, but not every step of the way. This blockage is causing Moldova and Ukraine to wait too long for action from the Council. I hope that the Council will soon take steps forward so we can make progress,” she added.
The Commissioner reiterated that security and the enlargement of the European Union are now more interconnected than ever. She stressed the need to adjust the EU’s priorities to align with new geopolitical realities, citing Ukraine as an example.
“If we help Ukraine to ensure its safety today, we are effectively looking after our own security. Given the current geopolitical changes, it is evident that we must prioritize our security, and yes, this will incur some costs,” said Kos.
We remind you that the Intelligence and Security Service documented 28 teachers from the Republic of Moldova in 2024 for allegedly participating in training sessions organized in Russia by the "Evrazia" organization, which has been sanctioned by the European Union. An additional five individuals were reported to have taken part in similar activities in early 2025. According to authorities in Chisinau, these trainings are essentially indoctrination efforts that promote Kremlin propaganda, including narratives related to the war in Ukraine and historical revisionism.
Moreover, law enforcement officers reported that, in recent months, several priests and citizens from Moldova participated in pilgrimages organized in Russia, Serbia, and Jerusalem, also financed by the "Evrazia" organization.
The "Evrazia" organization is a Russian non-governmental entity that has been sanctioned by the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom in 2024 and 2025. International authorities have accused it of promoting Russian propaganda, including among minors, facilitating the flow of funds from Russia and Ilan Shor to Gagauzia, organizing the transportation of young Moldovans to Russia for pro-Kremlin education, and being involved in voter bribery schemes.
