Moldova's Pro-European Path Solidified Post-Election Amidst Integration Challenges

Pro-European Forces Secure Mandate in Recent Parliamentary Elections

Moldova held crucial parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025, which saw the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) emerge victorious. This outcome is widely seen as a reaffirmation of the country's commitment to its European integration agenda. The elections were described as pivotal for Moldova's bid to join the European Union, with President Maia Sandu reportedly calling them 'the most important election in the history of the country'. However, the electoral process was reportedly marred by alleged Russian interference, including disinformation campaigns, manipulation efforts, cyberattacks, and vote buying, which Moldovan authorities and international observers actively countered.

Milestones on the Path to EU Accession

Moldova's journey towards European Union membership has seen several significant milestones in recent years. The country formally applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was subsequently granted candidate status on June 23, 2022, a decision that marked a 'historic moment' for the bloc. Accession negotiations officially commenced on June 25, 2024, in parallel with Ukraine. The analytical examination of the EU acquis, known as the screening process, was successfully completed on September 22, 2025. Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean and President Maia Sandu have articulated an ambitious target for full EU membership by 2030, a goal that has been acknowledged by EU officials, including David McAllister, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), as achievable with 'sustained political will'.

Persistent Challenges and Necessary Reforms

Despite the political will and progress, Moldova faces substantial challenges in its EU integration efforts. Key areas requiring comprehensive reform include:

• Judicial Reform and Anti-Corruption: The need for a thorough overhaul of the justice system and intensified efforts to combat money laundering and corruption remains a top priority. While progress has been made, difficulties persist in ensuring the independence and integrity of the judiciary.
• Countering Russian Hybrid Threats: Moldova continues to grapple with significant external pressures, including Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and its hybrid actions aimed at destabilizing the country. These include disinformation, manipulation, and interference in democratic processes.
• Energy Security: Historically reliant on Russian energy, Moldova is actively working to diversify its energy sources, including imports from Romania and Ukraine, and to upgrade its energy infrastructure. The country has successfully disconnected from the Russian electricity grid and synchronized with Europe's system.
• Political Polarization: Deep-seated political divisions between pro-European and pro-Russian factions within Moldovan society present an ongoing challenge. A constitutional referendum in October 2024 to enshrine EU membership passed by a narrow margin, highlighting this societal split.
• Transnistrian Conflict: The unresolved issue of the Transnistrian region, controlled by pro-Russian separatists, remains a complex obstacle to full integration.

EU Support and Future Outlook

The European Union has demonstrated strong support for Moldova's integration, providing substantial financial and technical assistance. This includes a €1.9 billion EU Growth Plan aimed at accelerating reforms and strengthening institutions. Concrete steps towards integration are already yielding benefits, such as Moldova's operational inclusion in the Single European Payment Area (SEPA) as of October 6, 2025, facilitating faster and cheaper euro transfers. Plans are also in motion for Moldova to integrate into the EU Roaming area by January 2026. The Moldovan government views European integration as a 'national project' that unites various segments of society, and both Moldovan and EU officials emphasize the need for continued reforms and sustained political will to achieve the ambitious 2030 accession goal.