Moldovan President Maia Sandu's Action and Solidarity party (PAS) appears to have come out on top of crucial elections despite what appears to have been a concerted disinformation campaign from the Kremlin. But the real winner may be Brussels.
The pro-Europe ruling party of Moldova hailed its major victory over the Russia-friendly opposition in weekend parliamentary elections, a win that will keep the small, impoverished nationon a European path instead of drifting back toward the Kremlin.
Moldova was on a knife edge as the country awaits the outcome of a parliamentary election key in determining whether the country will remain on its pro-European path or veer back toward Russia's sphere of influence.
Moldovans head to the polls in key parliamentary elections facing a choice of two paths: continuing towards joining the European Union or veering toward Russia amid widespread reports of campaign meddling by the Kremlin.
The European Commission is aware of Russia’s attempts to influence Moldova’s September 28 parliamentary elections, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told RFE/RL during a visit to Sarajevo on September 23
Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc has been extradited to Chisinau to face long-running criminal charges, jolting the country just days before a tense general election already roiled by allegations of Russian interference.
Moldova goes to the polls on September 28 in parliamentary elections, with the pro-Western government saying Russian disinformation is boosting support for opposition parties. But widespread poverty in the country has made it vulnerable to messaging.
The summer was full of speculations and hints from Brussels officials that Ukraine and Moldova might be separated on their respective paths to eventual EU membership. But the fact remains these talks haven’t started with either.
The European Union is on the beach for most of August. No European Parliament plenary sessions, council meetings or committee gatherings. In short, nothing much is discussed, let alone decided on these weeks.
This week, RFE/RL’s Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak takes a closer look at two major issues: the EU considering restrictive measures against Georgia, and imposing sanctions on Moldova’s pro-Moscow opposition.
EU foreign ministers are set to rubber stamp an agreement to impose sanctions on people and entities the bloc deems guilty of “actions destabilizing" Moldova, where Russia still wields massive influence and maintains more than 1,000 troops in the separatist Transdniester region.
EU leaders head to Brussels for a crucial summit facing internal divisions over Ukraine’s EU bid and Hungary’s veto. Diplomacy on Iran and new Russia sanctions are also on the table, with enlargement momentum hanging in the balance.
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