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According to the foreign minister of Moldova, the last two years have posed significant challenges for the country as it strives to join the European Union. The increased threat of interference from Russia has impacted various aspects of public life and has been unprecedented in the past 30 years.
Ever since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, neighboring Moldova has been beset by a series of problems that have sparked concerns about the country being a target of Russian aggression as well. These issues have included wayward missiles landing on Moldovan land, a severe energy shortage caused by Moscow’s sharp decrease in gas supplies, high levels of inflation, and demonstrations by pro-Russian parties opposing the pro-Western government. Additionally, Moldova has welcomed the most Ukrainian refugees per person out of any nation.
Mihai Popsoi, who was named as foreign minister in late January, shared in an interview with The Associated Press that the past two years have been the most challenging in the last 30 years.
In 1991, Moldova achieved independence from the Soviet Union. However, Russia still considers the country, situated between Ukraine and EU member Romania, to be within its area of influence.
Moldovan authorities have frequently made claims of Russia engaging in a “hybrid war” against their nation, alleging that they are providing financial support for protests against the government, interfering in local elections, and spreading extensive false information in an effort to overthrow the government and hinder Moldova’s progress towards becoming a member of the EU. Russia has refuted these allegations.
The previous week, the Intelligence and Security Services agency of Moldova reported that they have collected evidence showing that Moscow has made extraordinary plans to initiate a widespread campaign of destabilization as Moldova prepares for a referendum on joining the EU and a presidential election in the near future.
According to Popsoi, a member of the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity and deputy prime minister, the Kremlin will use their proxies to heavily invest in energy and finances in order to achieve their desired outcomes.
“They are attempting to sway voters through bribery and manipulating citizens,” the source stated. “The Russians are continuously learning and adjusting, using the democratic system to undermine and overthrow the Moldovan government.”
Tensions have frequently escalated in the Russia-backed separatist area of Transnistria, located on the border of Ukraine. This region is not recognized by any United Nations member countries, but Russia has stationed around 1,500 soldiers there as “peacekeepers,” responsible for protecting large stockpiles of Soviet-era weapons and ammunition.
In the midst of war, there was a series of explosions in the area. In July, an opposing leader was discovered dead with a fatal gunshot wound in his home. Last month, tensions escalated as some feared the region would request to join Russia. However, the region ultimately asked for Russian assistance and protection against mounting pressure from Chisinau.
Popsoi acknowledged that the situation with Transnistria is tense, and he worries that the speculation could adversely impact investment. “The situation will remain tense as long as the front line is 200 miles away,” he said.
The minister, who is 37 years old, acknowledged that Moldova’s testing period has been transformative for the country’s population of approximately 2.5 million people. However, he also noted that the country has faced challenges during this time.
According to him, two years ago Moldova had minimal energy security. However, now the country has a good level of independence and can select its preferred sources for gas and electricity.
According to him, the statement also applies to the defense abilities of his nation and the strength of significant establishments such as intelligence, the police, and judicial improvements. He expressed that, although there are significant obstacles, Moldova is making progress in the right direction.
According to Associate Professor of International Relations at Oakland University, Cristian Cantir, Moldova has continuously been subjected to Russian tests in order to identify any vulnerabilities that may disrupt its progress towards the European Union.
The speaker described the situation as a competition between Russia and Moldova, with Russia attempting to prevent Moldova from aligning with the EU and Moldova resisting Russian influence until it becomes an EU member. He also noted that the authorities have been more willing to recognize the threat that Russia poses to Moldova’s democracy.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moldova sought to become a member of the European Union and was recognized as a candidate in June 2022. Later in December, Brussels announced plans to initiate negotiations for both Moldova and Ukraine to join the EU.
While maintaining a stance of military neutrality, Moldova, a non-NATO country, has increased its expenditure in defense over the last year. They have also passed a new national security strategy that highlights Russia as a primary concern and intends to raise defense spending to 1% of their GDP.
According to Popsoi, many Moldovans are still influenced by Russian propaganda, which portrays NATO as a threat. However, this does not prevent Moldova from working with NATO allies and reinforcing the strength of its military.
According to Popsoi, Moldova has been receiving crucial financial and diplomatic aid from its Western allies since the beginning of the war. However, there is a need for sustained investments in the long run. The upcoming referendum on EU membership is intended to assess the desires of Moldovan citizens for their future. Officials have set a bold goal of achieving full accession by 2030.
The goal is to effectively communicate that the European Union offers a promising future, despite efforts from Russian propaganda to sway citizens. Popsoi stated, “Our team is committed to conveying this message clearly and persistently.”
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McGrath filed a report from Sighisoara, Romania.
Source: independent.co.uk
