During the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, a debate was held on strengthening Moldova’s resilience to hybrid threats and harmful interference from Russia. The discussion was attended by ECR MEPs Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, and Maciej Wąsik.
Adam Bielan noted that although Moldova has become a key partner of the European Union in the Eastern Neighborhood in recent years by choosing the path of reform, democracy, and European integration, this path is constantly under attack by the Kremlin. “Russia is waging a sophisticated hybrid war, flooding the country with disinformation, financing criminal networks, manipulating religious institutions, and using illicit funds via cryptocurrencies to buy votes and destabilize elections,” the MEP stated. He noted that these are not isolated incidents but are part of a coordinated campaign aimed at halting Moldova’s democratic development and its European future.
“We appreciate the rapid progress of reforms in Chișinău and the country’s resilience in the face of external pressure. Now, EU institutions should respond with equal determination and should quickly open the first block of accession negotiations, based on substantive criteria,” the Polish politician urged. He added that, at the same time, Russia must cease its provocations and withdraw its forces and equipment from Transnistria. “Any future agreement must respect Moldova’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and European path,” Bielan argued.
Mariusz Kamiński said that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova will determine whether Moldova will continue its march toward freedom or be turned back from that path. He noted that while the entire free, democratic world wants Moldova to become a modern, democratic European state and permanently break free from the post-Soviet sphere of influence, Russia’s goal in these elections is for corrupt oligarchs pursuing Putin’s imperial interests to seize power.
“Supporting an independent Moldova is not only an obvious moral imperative but also a geopolitical one,” said the MEP, calling on the European Union to take consistent and responsible action. As an example of such ill-considered actions by the EU, he cited the resolution’s call for Moldovan authorities to “support local LGBT organizations.” He added that the EU has no jurisdiction over these matters, and that such red herrings play right into the hands of Russian propaganda. “Today, Moldova is fighting for fundamental issues—its freedom and independence. We stand with you,” concluded Kamiński.
Małgorzata Gosiewska noted that on September 28, the citizens of Moldova will decide the future of their country. She noted that these elections are not merely an internal matter—“they are also a test of democracy’s resilience against Russia’s brutal methods, as Russia continues to try to destabilize and influence Moldova.” The Polish politician recalled that Russia had previously attempted to undermine Ukraine and Georgia and to influence societies through disinformation, cyberattacks, illegal party financing, and the manipulation of public opinion. She added that this is also an attempt to “undermine” security in the region. “It is our duty to support Moldova in safeguarding fair elections, combating propaganda, building strong state institutions, and promoting economic development,” she argued. The Member of the European Parliament noted that Moldova is awaiting the release of the first tranche of EU funds to stimulate the economy, improve infrastructure, and modernize the country. “Only a secure, sovereign, and economically strong Moldova can guarantee stability and security in the region,” Gosiewska stated.
The PiS MEP called on the international community to initiate and support measures in the areas of information security, cyber defense, and the protection of Moldova’s electoral process. She pointed out that another crucial step must be the imposition of sanctions on Russian oligarchs and their local agents operating in Moldova. “We must make it clear: Russia will not decide the future of Moldova or the future of Europe,” she concluded.
“Let us support Moldova and the free will of its citizens as expressed in elections free from Russian interference,” said Maciej Wąsik, wishing Moldova fair elections, free from external pressure. The Polish politician referred to the remarks of Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who briefed the European Parliament on Russia’s influence and actions. He also pointed out that Russia is not the only country capable of interfering in democratic elections. He recalled that during the last parliamentary elections in 2023, Poland experienced unlawful pressure from the European Commission. “By withholding KPO funds and applying the conditionality mechanism, the EU interfered in the Polish parliamentary elections,” said the PiS MEP. He added that this is a harmful tool that undermines democracy and the sovereignty of member states. “Today, Moldova is grappling with Russian interference—disinformation and manipulation ahead of the elections—and the war in Ukraine shows just how precious freedom is,” the politician noted. Wąsik emphasized that the EU’s conditionality mechanism, much like Russia’s actions, constitutes “unacceptable interference in the democratic choice of nations.” “Let us defend the sovereignty of Moldova, Poland, and every free homeland!” he urged.
