Cooperation between Moldova, International IDEA discussed in Chisinau

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi today met Kevin Casas-Zamora, Secretary-General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). The discussions focused on deepening cooperation, strengthening democratic resilience and the integrity of electoral processes, as well as combating information manipulation and foreign interference.

The interlocutors welcomed the results of cooperation between Moldova and International IDEA, particularly in strengthening institutional capacities and protecting electoral processes. They also welcomed the progress made in Moldova’s process of accession to International IDEA, including the government’s approval of the draft law on accession to the organization’s Statute.

“In recent years, Moldova has accumulated valuable experience in countering foreign interference and protecting democratic institutions. We want Moldova’s experience to help protect democratic processes in other states and cooperation with International IDEA provides important opportunities in this regard,” said Mihai Popsoi.

In the context, the minister highlighted Moldova’s efforts to promote, including during its chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, a coordinated international approach to combating foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). He also emphasized the importance of developing effective international instruments to counter these threats.

An important topic of the meeting was International IDEA’s proposal to establish a regional center of expertise in Chisinau, focused on democratic resilience and countering foreign interference. Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the opportunity to leverage Moldova’s experience in support of other states in the region.

For his part, Kevin Casas-Zamora praised Moldova’s progress in strengthening democratic institutions and confirmed the organization’s readiness to continue providing technical assistance and facilitating the exchange of expertise, including through the development of a cooperation programme for 2027–2029.

At the end of the meeting, the interlocutors reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening the partnership and promoting democratic resilience at the national and regional levels.