Moldovan president sets priorities for 2026

The Presidency of the Republic of Moldova

President Moldova Maia Sandu today presented the Presidency’s priorities for 2026.

The head of state reaffirmed the two fundamental objectives that guide all her activity: maintaining peace and defending freedom. The president stressed that peace without freedom was not enough and that only in a democratic society can citizens’ dignity and well-being be ensured: “Because only in a free, democratic world can we live with dignity,” Maia Sandu said.

Proceeding from these fundamental objectives and from her constitutional prerogatives, Maia Sandu presented five priority areas for the Presidency’s activity in 2026:

1. Foreign policy and accession to the European Union

2. Security, resilience and national defense

3. Online safety and children’s health

4. Combating corruption and justice reform

5. Strengthening ties with citizens living abroad

Foreign policy: Moldova’s safety anchor

In a world in which “the world order we have been used to for decades seems to be falling apart,” foreign policy becomes an essential security tool. The president emphasized that, when international law no longer provides sufficient guarantees, small states must rely on strong alliances.

“Our most important partnership is with the EU: accession to the European Union is the most realistic strategy for the survival and development of Moldova as part of the free world.”

To this end, Moldova must continue to strengthen its credibility as a candidate country that delivers results, and it must mobilize all institutions in the European integration process, so they communicate effectively with citizens, the business environment, and civil society.

Security, resilience, and defense

“Russia remains a major source of destabilization,” the head of state warned, stressing that today Moldova’s security depends on Ukraine’s resilience.

Strengthening national resilience targets combating foreign interference, cyber and information security, as well as fighting cross-border crime. The implementation of the resilience plan recently approved by the National Security Council will be closely monitored.

In the field of defense, the main objective is the modernization of the National Army.

“A modern, capable, well-equipped army is fundamental for our development, peace and freedom,” the president declared, emphasizing that investments in defense are “investments in the country’s peace and development.” For 2026, additional investments are planned in airspace surveillance, air defense systems, and continuous alignment with Western standards.

Children’s online safety

The president drew attention to the negative impact of the digital environment on children and young people. The head of state proposed launching a national mental well-being programme for the digital age, promoting digital hygiene in schools, preventing drug use, and increasing access to support services for children and adolescents. “We must not blame children for the world in which they grow up. Adults shape the environment. Adults set the rules,” Maia Sandu stressed.

Combating corruption and justice reform

Although it is not a direct prerogative of the presidency, the fight against corruption is a matter of national security and an essential condition for European integration, the head of state underlined. “It is important that we manage to build a system in which our society has confidence.” The Presidency will continue to closely monitor developments in the justice sector and to point out any possible deviations.

Diaspora: a strategic partner for the European future

The fifth priority area concerns the Diaspora, considered a strategic partner in promoting Moldova abroad. The Presidency will continue to support the rights of Moldovans living abroad and contribute to efforts to facilitate their return home. At the same time, the Diaspora will be actively involved in promoting the image of Moldova in EU member states: “We need the citizens of EU member states to know us, to grow fond of us and to support the decision to ratify Moldova’s accession to the EU.”