Moldova approves withdrawal from founding CIS agreements
The Moldovan Government officially approved draft laws on Wednesday, March 11, to denounce the founding charter and statute of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This decisive move marks a final systemic break from the Moscow-led organization, with the documents now heading to Parliament for a final vote.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sergiu Mihov, stated that the withdrawal is a direct response to the systematic violation of fundamental principles by the Russian Federation. He highlighted Russia’s disregard for territorial integrity and the sanctity of borders as the primary drivers for the exit.
Security and sovereignty concerns
"The regular violation of these core principles—the aggression against Georgia, the illegal war against Ukraine, and the occupation of their territories—has destroyed the CIS's role as a security guarantor," Mihov explained. He also cited the continued illegal presence of Russian troops within Moldova's own borders as a critical factor.
The decision also aligns with Moldova’s trajectory toward European Union membership. Authorities emphasized that CIS obligations have become increasingly incompatible with the legal and political standards required for EU integration.
Economic impact and fiscal savings
Chisinau maintains that leaving the founding treaties will not harm the national economy. Moldova plans to remain part of specific social and economic agreements that offer concrete benefits to its citizens, provided they do not conflict with national interests.
The exit will also result in immediate fiscal optimization. By withdrawing from CIS statutory bodies, the state will save an annual membership contribution of approximately €158,000 (approx. 3.1 million MDL).
A long-awaited geopolitical shift
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu described the move as a reflection of public will. He characterized the country's membership in the CIS as a "geopolitical atavism" that the nation has maintained for far too long.
"We are now legally and ethically prepared to close this chapter," Munteanu stated. He concluded that given Russia's persistent breach of international norms, the government holds both the right and the responsibility to the public to sever these ties.
To date, Moldova has evaluated 283 CIS-related treaties. Of these, 71 have been formally denounced, while another 60 are currently under active review by government experts.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
