In a resolution passed on Wednesday, MEPs strongly warned against ongoing Russian efforts to obstruct Moldova’s pro-European path. The resolution, approved by 508 votes in favour, 53 against, and 104 abstentions, strongly condemns Russia’s increasing malicious activities, interference, and hybrid operations in light of the upcoming presidential election and constitutional referendum on EU integration in Moldova on 20 October.
MEPs emphasised the involvement of various malicious actors, including pro-Russian Moldovan oligarchs and Russia’s state-funded RT network, in perpetrating voter fraud schemes, cyber operations, and information warfare. They also urged the EU and its member states to ensure that Moldova receives all necessary assistance to strengthen its institutional mechanisms and ability to counter hybrid threats.
The EU has previously imposed sanctions on Moldovan oligarchs and pro-Russian individuals, such as Ilan Shor, Vladimir Plahotniuc, Igor Ceaika, Gheorghe Cavaliuc, and Marina Tauber. Moldova applied for EU membership in March 2022 and was granted candidate status in June 2022. In December 2023, the European Council agreed to initiate accession negotiations with Moldova.
MEPs have reported that Moldovan security services recently announced that Russia has spent about €100 million to undermine the upcoming electoral process and persuade Moldovans to vote against closer ties with the EU.
On October 3, 2024, Moldovan authorities uncovered a large-scale voter fraud scheme funded by Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor. The scheme involved transferring $15 million to 130,000 Moldovans as part of a voter bribery operation.
In response to these tactics, Parliament calls on Russia to respect Moldova’s independence, stop provocations, and withdraw military forces from its territory. Additionally, it reiterates its previous calls for destroying all ammunition stored in the Cobasna depot in the breakaway region of Transnistria.
The resolution urges the Council to impose additional EU sanctions on individuals threatening Moldova’s sovereignty. Additionally, MEPs call on countries and territories where Moldovan fugitives like Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc reside to extradite them to Moldova for trial.
Additional support for Moldova’s EU accession
The European Parliament has reiterated its support for Moldova’s progress towards EU accession. MEPs urged the European Commission to include Moldova in the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and to prioritise funding for EU candidate countries in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. With EU accession talks with Moldova already underway, MEPs call for a faster screening process and the timely organisation of subsequent intergovernmental conferences.
To enhance Moldova’s resilience against hybrid threats, the Parliament urges the EU to further strengthen cooperation with Moldova in strategic communication, support for journalists and civil society, and promote independent Russian-language media content.
