Moldova: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the Russian interference ahead of the EU referendum

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Opening remarks

President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

Today's debate highlights the significance of our relations with Moldova, a strategic partner and a future European Union member. This is also an opportunity to recognise Moldova's significant efforts in addressing the threats and challenges arising from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and to address Russia's direct attempts to destabilise the country. Moldova and its people are showing that they have what it takes to prevail.

Our relations with Moldova are at an all-time high. Despite the threats to its democracy from Russia, Moldova's commitment to the European Union accession path has been remarkable, culminating in the opening of accession negotiations in June. Moldova must seize the momentum to continue implementing reforms. Today's debate provides a valuable opportunity for us to send a clear message: Moldova can count on our support in its reform journey.

As the presidential elections and the referendum on the European Union accession approach, we can clearly see Russia intensifying its hybrid attacks on Moldova's democracy and stability. Moscow's objective remains unchanged: to derail Moldova's efforts towards European Union integration and push the country back into its sphere of influence. A key part of this strategy is Russia's disinformation campaign, which is specifically targeting the referendum to discredit the government's pro-European Union policies by falsely portraying a lack of popular support for European integration.

Moscow's malicious activities aim at exploiting differences in Moldova's society, spreading propaganda among the Russian speakers and trying to leverage the ambitions of the Transnistrian region and Gagauzia against the central authorities.

To help Moldova strengthen its resilience and to help its institutions to effectively tackle these challenges, the European Union has substantially increased its support.

The European Union's security and defence cooperation has reached a new level with the establishment of the Security and Defence Partnership. Moldova was the first country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union. This partnership offers a robust political framework to enhance our existing cooperation and explore further engagement opportunities.

Since last year, the European Union Partnership Mission (EUPM) has been assisting Moldovan institutions in resilience building. With the upcoming elections and referendum, the mission provides targeted support to enhance cybersecurity, and to combat illegal financial flows, as well as foreign information manipulation and interference.

Under the European Peace Facility (EPF), the European Union has allocated €137 million to strengthen Moldova's armed forces since 2021, making Moldova the second largest recipient of bilateral European Peace Facility support after Ukraine.

In addition, in 2023 the European Union established a sanctions regime targeting those who seek to destabilise Moldova. Two rounds of listings have been adopted so far.

Last but not least, when it comes to the Transnistrian region, it is important to stress that Moldova's European future cannot be taken hostage by the unresolved conflict. While European Union accession and conflict settlement are two different processes, all efforts must be made to ensure that the entire population of Moldova, including those in the Transnistrian region, fully benefits from European Union integration.

Thank you.

Link to the video (starting 0:42): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-261640

Closing remarks

Señor Presidente, Honourable Members,

We welcome the Parliament's intention to adopt a Resolution recognising the challenges Moldova faces, due to intense Russian hybrid warfare, and [for] reaffirming strong support for Moldova's European Union integration. The resolution also rightly highlights the need for the European Union to continue its assistance in these difficult times.

Despite challenges, the Moldovan government remains committed to the reforms that will bring the country closer to European Union membership, and it is essential we continue to support Moldova and stand by our own commitments.

The upcoming elections and Referendum on European Union accession are a key opportunity for the Moldovan people to have their voice heard.

Moldova belongs in Europe, and we will continue supporting its European Union path.

Thank you.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-261642