A delegation from the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield (EUDS) has concluded a three-day visit to the Republic of Moldova, aimed at evaluating the country’s resilience against disinformation, hybrid threats, and cyberattacks ahead of the 28 September parliamentary elections.
The mission, which took place from 26 to 28 May, was led by Nathalie Loiseau (Renew Europe, France), Chair of the EUDS Committee. The delegation included MEPs Mika Aaltola (EPP, Finland), Eugen Tomac (Renew Europe, Romania), and Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania), the latter also serving as Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee.
The purpose of the visit was to gain insight into Moldova’s mechanisms for countering external threats to its democratic institutions and to assess the scope of current EU support. The delegation met with key figures across the Moldovan political and institutional spectrum, including Igor Grosu, Speaker of the Parliament; Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration; and ministers from the economic development, education, and energy portfolios.
In addition to governmental interlocutors, the MEPs held discussions with representatives of civil society and independent media, and visited institutions central to Moldova’s defensive infrastructure: the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation (CSCCD), the National Institute for Cybersecurity Innovations (Cybercor), the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova, and the EU Delegation to Moldova.
Following the visit, Chair Nathalie Loiseau issued a formal statement, highlighting Moldova’s efforts and the geopolitical significance of the upcoming elections.
“We are witnessing increasing attacks on democracies around the world. Moldova has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of sophisticated hybrid threats. In these challenging times, Moldova deserves the European Union’s full attention and unwavering support so it can remain free, independent, and able to continue on its path toward EU accession.”
She noted that the delegation’s exchanges with Moldovan authorities, civil society, and journalists had provided a comprehensive overview of the risks posed by external actors, particularly from the Russian Federation, and the ways in which Moldova is working to counter them.
“It is essential that Moldova be empowered to make its own choices — free from coercion or manipulation — with the backing of like-minded and respectful partners,” Loiseau stated.
The delegation’s presence comes at a sensitive moment. Moldova’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for 28 September, are widely viewed as a pivotal event in the country’s political trajectory. Recent electoral contests — including the 2024 presidential vote and a constitutional referendum — have confirmed broad public support for European integration. However, they have also attracted increased attention from actors seeking to influence domestic outcomes in favour of a more pro-Russian orientation.
The visit was also intended to consolidate EU coordination ahead of the electoral process, ensuring that Moldova has the necessary tools and support to uphold democratic standards and electoral integrity.
While the European Parliament has previously raised concerns about foreign interference in Moldova, the EUDS Committee’s fact-finding mission marks a significant escalation in institutional engagement. The presence of senior MEPs from both the Renew and EPP groups, as well as from Romania and Finland — countries with a direct interest in regional security — underscores the broader European strategic context in which Moldova now operates.
Moldova remains officially neutral in military terms but has deepened its cooperation with the EU since receiving candidate status in 2022. The country’s logistical and political alignment with Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing war, has further increased its importance as a regional partner.
The delegation’s findings are expected to inform a forthcoming report to the European Parliament outlining recommendations on further support for Moldova’s democratic infrastructure. These may include enhanced cybersecurity cooperation, support for independent media, and expanded EU engagement in electoral observation and civil society partnerships.
As Moldova continues to navigate external pressure and internal reform, the European Union’s backing — both technical and political — is increasingly viewed in Chișinău as vital to safeguarding its democratic course.
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