Moldova’s EU Path Hinges on Contentious Election

The European Union is closely watching Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28, with top officials signaling that the formal launch of the nation’s accession talks is contingent on the outcome. European Council President António Costa has stated that the EU will be ready to open the pre-accession procedure for Moldova only after this autumn’s pivotal vote, a message underscoring the high stakes for the pro-European ruling party.

In the weeks leading up to the election, a series of high-level European officials have visited Chișinău in a show of support for President Maia Sandu and her ruling PAS party. European Commissioner Marta Kos recently arrived for a three-day visit to discuss reform progress and the framework for EU integration. This follows earlier announcements of significant financial aid, including a €1.7 billion Growth Plan, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirming an initial €270 million disbursement to bolster the country.

However, the pre-election atmosphere within Moldova is fraught with tension and accusations of political pressure. Law enforcement agencies, including special forces, have conducted dozens of raids in the country’s northern districts and the southern autonomous region of Gagauzia. Officials state the operations are part of criminal cases involving voter bribery and illegal party financing. These actions have primarily targeted political opponents of the current government.

Opposition leaders have fiercely condemned the raids as a campaign of intimidation. Irina Vlah, former head of Gagauzia and leader of the “Heart of Moldova” party, called the searches a fabricated effort to discredit her movement. Similarly, Ivan Burgudji, leader of the “Gagauz Halkı” civic movement, accused the authorities of eliminating electoral competitors while alleging that the EU is openly funding the ruling PAS party’s campaign. “If the ruling PAS party loses, President Maia Sandu will have to obey the will of the parliament, as Moldova is a parliamentary republic,” Burgudji noted.

The controversy has extended to Moldova’s diplomatic missions. A scandal erupted after the official social media page of the Moldovan Embassy in Ireland posted a campaign message featuring the logo of the ruling PAS party. The post was later deleted, but not before drawing sharp criticism from independent candidate Olesea Stamate, who condemned it as a dangerous abuse of state resources and a return to practices of a “captured state.”