Strasbourg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The EU Parliament adopted a resolution cautioning against Russian tries to undermine Moldova’s pro-European trajectory.
Members of the European Parliament vehemently condemned the escalation of Russia’s malign actions, interference and hybrid functions in the run-up to the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum on European integration, to be carried out on 20 October. The resolution was supported by 508 votes in favour, 53 against and 104 abstentions,
Why did MEPs condemn Russia’s interference in Moldova?
According to the press of the EU Parliament, MEPs underscored the part played by a plethora of malign actors, such as pro-Russian Moldovan oligarchs and the Russian-sponsored RT network, in enforcing electoral fraud as well as cyber processes and information warfare. They also urged the EU and its member states to ensure that all necessary help is provided to Moldova to support its institutional mechanisms and its ability to respond to hybrid threats.
How much has Russia allegedly spent to sabotage Moldova?
MEPs expressed that Moldovan security services recently said that Russia had spent around €100 million to sabotage the upcoming electoral process, to initiate Moldovans to vote against rapprochement with the EU. Also on 3 October 2024, Moldovan authorities found a large-scale electoral fraud project, funded by Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, concerning the transfer of $15 million to 130,000 Moldovans as part of a vote-buying process.
EU Parliament while criticising these maneuvers also called on Russia to respect Moldova’s independence, to discontinue provocations and to withdraw military forces from its parts. Furthermore, it restated its previous calls to eliminate all munitions stored in the Cobasna depot in the breakaway region of Transnistria.
The resolution also called on the Council to embrace new EU sanctions against those damaging Moldova’s sovereignty. MEPs urged countries and territories hosting wanted Moldovan fugitives, such as Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, to deport them to Moldova to face trial.
How does the EU plan to support Moldova’s sovereignty?
Furthermore, the EU Parliament reaffirmed its backing for Moldova on its path to EU membership, calling on the EU Commission to include the country in the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance. Parliament insisted the EU continue strengthening collaboration with the country in the areas of strategic communication, support for journalists and civil society, and the advancement of independent Russian-language media content.
