European Integration of the Republic of Moldova tabled by the Action and Solidarity Party of Moldova

European Integration of the Republic of Moldova

tabled by the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) of Moldova at the IDU Executive Meeting, June 21st, 2023 in London

Taking note of Moldova’s firm commitment to join the European Union,

Applauding its considerable reform agenda and its determination to advance towards future EU membership, despite the successive crises triggered by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,

Commending Moldova’s stance against Russia’s barbaric war and praising Moldova’s continued efforts in supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, including via a Moldovan Parliament resolution of condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression, war crimes, and brutal violation of the principles of international law.

Appreciating the fact that the Republic of Moldova has taken more than one million Ukrainian refugees and is currently hosting around 80,000 refugees, mostly women and minors,

Noting the decisive steps taken by the Republic of Moldova to improve the functioning of the judiciary, including the progress of implementing the pre-vetting procedure for new members of the Superior Council of the Magistracy and the Superior Council of Prosecutors as well as the progress on the prosecution of a number of high-profile anti-corruption cases, including those related to the one-billion-dollar bank fraud.

The International Democrat Union:

• Acknowledges that the Moldovan economy has been severely affected by lost trade, a decrease in foreign investment, and an increase in energy and transport prices. Russia, employing domestic Russian-sponsored actors, has used the economic fallout from the war to foment anti-government and anti-European sentiments in Moldova in the hope of destabilizing the country.

• Condemns Russia for using its gas exports as a tool to pressure the Moldovan Government by artificially creating a gas supply crisis in 2021 and 2022. High energy costs led to inflation rising to 30% and Moldova’s economic output falling by 5.9% year-on year in real terms in 2022. In spite of these challenges, the Republic of Moldova has diversified its natural gas supplies away from Russia, but its electricity supply remains dependent on the Russian-owned Cuciurgan power station in Transnistrian region. A high voltage power line is being built to connect Moldova to the European energy grid, after the country joined the European Network of Transmission System Operators in March 2022, aiming to liberalize its energy market.
• Voices strong concern about Russia’s repeated violation of Moldova’s airspace with missiles and the Kremlin’s hybrid war tactics: energy blackmailing, disinformation campaigns, sponsored protests by the Kremlin-backed Shor party, attempting to cause mass unrest in order to change the political order and Moldova’s European path.
• Calls for a more robust international sanctions regime to hold the perpetrators of Moldova’s destabilization efforts to account, including stronger anti-money laundering and asset recovery cooperation.
• Supports the European Parliament resolution on the Republic of Moldova that recognizes Moldova as a close and valued partner of the European Union. The IDU firmly supports Moldova’s European integration and that accession negotiations be initiated in the nearest future.
• Applauds the National European Assembly held on May 21 – one of the largest rallies since independence- gathering over 80,000 citizens in the main square of Chisinau in a display of unity, solidarity, and pro-European aspirations. The will and determination of the Moldovan people to join the European family of nations is admirable and must be recognized.