MEP says Moldova resisted Russian pressure, gaining increasing support in European Union

Moldova has proved remarkable resilience in the face of attempts at external influence and this is increasingly appreciated at the European level. Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Moldova, MEP Siegfried Muresan made statements to this effect at the programme, At 360 Degrees, broadcast on Radio Moldova.

"The entire European Union has seen that the citizens of Moldova have successfully withstood the greatest pressures, interferences and attempts at disinformation and manipulation that the Russian Federation has carried out in recent months targeting electoral processes," Muresan said.

According to him, the scale of these attempts was unprecedented.

"Nowhere has the Russian Federation tried so hard to influence elections and to derail a country’s path as it did in Moldova during the 2024 presidential elections and referendum and the 2025 parliamentary elections," the MEP noted.

He stressed that these attempts had failed and that the effects were visible in European perceptions.

"The Russian Federation tried to hold Moldova back and failed, and this has been noticed by public opinion in the EU member states and appreciated as such. At this moment, Moldova enjoys a high level of sympathy among the citizens of the European Union," Muresan pointed out.

Strategic priority: visibility

At the same time, Muresan believes that the image of Moldova must be strengthened among European citizens, not only at the political level.

"It is desirable that this continuous information about developments in Moldova goes beyond the political spectrum. We must make sure that Moldova becomes even better known among the citizens of the EU member states," Muresan said.

He noted that, although European officials increasingly understand the realities in the country, it is necessary to extend this level of information to local communities.

"We must take Moldova beyond being just a political and diplomatic topic in European chancelleries; it is important to work with local and regional authorities, with mayors and parliamentarians, so that information reaches citizens," Muresan also said.

Public support: essential for accession

The MEP emphasized that the support of European citizens was decisive for Moldova’s future European path: "National parliaments and governments will support the European integration of Moldova much more strongly, if the issue is known and backed at the grassroots level of the electorate."

Growing investments and economic opportunities

Besides the political dimension, Muresan also highlighted major economic opportunities. "Moldova has more European funds at its disposal than the 1.9- billion-euros Growth Plan. We are working on the European Union budget for the next seven years, which will provide Moldova with billions of euros in a clear, predictable and irrevocable way," the MEP said.

This financial stability will enhance the country’s attractiveness for investors: "This massive infusion of capital will significantly enhance the attractiveness of Moldova among investors from the European Union."

In the context, the official underlined the importance of strengthening economic relations.

"It is essential, through chambers of commerce, through embassies and through trade relations, to talk more about opportunities for investment and economic growth," Muresan noted.

A new step in relations with the EU

The statements come as the EU–Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee is set to adopt an official declaration calling for the launch of political accession negotiations, marking a new chapter in relations between Moldova and the European Union.

Muresan’s message is clear: Moldova has shown that it can cope with major challenges and the next step is to consolidate European public support and capitalize on economic opportunities, in order to accelerate EU integration.