Many Moldovans are tired of labels that portray the country as a small, poor, ex‑Soviet state caught between Russia and the West. The government is actively rebranding Moldova as a future member of the European Union and firmly anchored toward the West. Moldova lies between wartorn Ukraine and EU/NATO Romania. Three top EU leaders attended independence day in Chisinau with President Maia Sandu, who emphasized that Europe means freedom and peace while condemning Putin's Russia. The visit highlighted both strong Western backing and the fragility of Moldova's pro‑European pivot ahead of pivotal parliamentary elections; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the EU path cannot be taken for granted.
That's not because these statements are untrue, but because over the last few years, Moldova's government has been throwing all its weight behind efforts to update that image. They say that first and foremost, Moldova which sits between wartorn Ukraine and EU and NATO state Romania is a future member of the European Union, firmly anchored toward the West. In a way,
But the leaders' visit is also testament to just how fragile Moldova's pro-Europe pivot feels now, a few weeks out from crucial parliamentary elections which will test the governing party and may weaken its influence. Germany's Merz told Moldovans that the fact that the country has chosen a path toward the EU cannot be "taken for granted." "Things could still take a different turn," he said, pointing to the potentially "decisive" vote on the horizon.
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