RESOLUTION // European Parliament condemns Russian interference, reaffirms support for Moldova’s EU path
On Wednesday, September 10, the European Parliament adopted a resolution expressing solidarity with the Republic of Moldova and fully supporting the country's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity amid increasing hybrid operations and destabilization attempts by the Russian Federation. The document received 490 votes in favor, 65 against, and 86 abstentions. It emphasizes that the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28, 2025, will be a crucial moment for strengthening democracy and continuing Moldova's path toward European integration.
The European Parliament commends the Republic of Moldova for its steady progress in implementing reforms, particularly in the justice sector, combating corruption, and strengthening the rule of law. It underscores that the opening of EU accession negotiations scheduled for June 2024 is a result of Chisinau’s determination, despite a challenging geopolitical context. The European Parliament also urges the Council to expedite the opening of accession negotiations for Cluster 1 (fundamental aspects), acknowledging the significant advancements made by the Republic of Moldova in promoting essential reforms.
MEPs condemn the illegal financing, disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and manipulation orchestrated by Russia and its proxies, which aim to undermine the constitutional order and democratic institutions of the Republic of Moldova. The resolution highlights that Moscow has already invested over 200 million euros in propaganda and disinformation operations, amounting to over 1% of Moldova’s GDP.
An important aspect of the resolution addresses the need to combat hybrid threats. MEPs call on the European Union to provide Chisinau with additional financial, political, and technical support. This includes extending sanctions against pro-Russian individuals and entities, strengthening the EU Partnership Mission (EUPM), and enhancing national cyber capabilities. Additionally, Parliament welcomes the Commission’s announcement regarding the establishment of a regional centre for the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), which will aid the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in tackling disinformation and Russian propaganda.
The resolution also emphasizes the importance of strengthening the energy independence of the Republic of Moldova. The European Parliament condemns Russia’s manipulation of gas and energy resources and welcomes the steps taken by Chisinau to diversify energy sources and integrate into the EU energy market. In this context, the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova, valued at 1.9 billion euros, is highlighted as representing “an unprecedented level of support aimed at stimulating the Moldovan economy and advancing the country’s path toward EU accession by accelerating key reforms in various sectors.”
MEPs call for the withdrawal of Russian troops and weapons from the Transnistrian region and condemn the Kremlin’s efforts to exploit homophobia and manipulate religion to undermine social cohesion. The European Parliament urges the Moldovan authorities, along with civil society, to enhance strategic communication and emphasize the benefits of EU accession for citizens, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Gagauzia and socio-economically disadvantaged communities in rural areas.
Through this adopted resolution, the European Parliament reaffirms its unwavering support for the Republic of Moldova’s European path. It emphasizes that defending democratic processes, the rule of law, and resilience against hybrid threats is essential for the country’s successful integration into the European Union.
The Republic of Moldova: A testing ground for the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare strategies
The text of the resolution was debated by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during the plenary session on Tuesday, September 9.
Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos opened the discussion, addressing the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova ahead of the elections scheduled for September 28, and reaffirming the European Union's ongoing support for the country's development and resilience.
“The positive change in Moldova is real and visible to anyone who visits the country regularly. Moldova’s security is inextricably linked to Europe’s security. As the parliamentary elections on September 28 approach, we clearly see how Russia is intensifying its hybrid attacks on Moldova’s democracy and stability, including false claims that upon joining the EU, Moldova's Orthodox Church will be destroyed. This is part of a broader strategy involving disinformation campaigns, illegal financing of proxy parties, cyberattacks, energy blackmail, and unprecedented vote-buying. The European Union will always defend the right of the Moldovan people to freely choose their representatives, without external interference or coercion,” stated Marta Kos.
“Moscow is waging a fierce hybrid war to bring Moldova back into its sphere of influence. In recent months, Moldova has become a testing ground for the hybrid warfare strategies developed by the Kremlin, which is injecting hundreds of millions of euros into Moldovan society to buy votes and undermine democracy. The Kremlin employs cyberattacks, deepfakes, and extensive disinformation campaigns to manipulate citizens’ trust and fears. It leverages various tactics, from energy supplies to religious influences,” added Romanian MEP Dan Barna.
Sven Mikser, an MEP from Estonia and a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group, emphasized in his speech that the outcome of the September 28 parliamentary elections will be crucial not only for Moldova’s democratic future but also for the stability of the entire EU. He condemned Russia's hybrid attacks and urged European institutions to firmly support Chisinau's European aspirations.
“These elections will determine whether Moldova can strengthen its democratic path toward EU accession or if it will be diverted by external forces that seek to thwart the legitimate aspirations of the Moldovan people and destabilize our continent. By these dark forces, I mean, of course, Putin's Russia and its proxies,” stated Sven Mikser.
