On 9 September, the European Parliament hosted the President of Moldova Maia Sandu days before a parliamentary election damaged by Russian interference that will determine the future of the country’s democracy.
Renew Europe MEPs also welcomed Sandu at an extraordinary meeting in Strasbourg, confirming they stand by her and her people at this decisive moment and conveying a clear message: Europe shall not tolerate Russian interference in our democratic processes.
Russia has already pumped over €200 million into propaganda and hybrid operations designed to derail the country's European future, but Moldova is fighting back and winning.
Renew Europe demands immediate action: accelerate the opening of accession negotiations on cluster 1 (Fundamentals), increase financial and technical support to counter Russian interference and strengthen sanctions against those orchestrating these attacks on democracy.
"Putin is orchestrating massive hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns in Moldova, which is the latest frontline in the defence of Europe. We must respond accordingly as the country already fulfilled all merit based conditionalities. Furthermore, during the future MFF negotiations, Moldova must be included with adequate funding in the pre-accession financing budget lines. I will carefully scrutinize the negotiations with the Commission on the proposed Global Europe budget heading,” said ALDE Party Vice-President and Renew Europe shadow rapporteur on Moldova Dan Barna MEP (USR, RO).
Moldova needs energy independence, stronger cyber defences, improved strategic communication and continued judicial reforms to build resilience against Russian interference.
The message to Moscow is unambiguous: your interference will fail. The message to Moldova is equally clear: Europe stands with you.