Moldovan president gives interview with Irish newspaper

The Russian Federation’s interference is not only the problem of Moldova, but represents a threat to democracies everywhere. President Maia Sandu has made statements to this effect in an interview given with the Irish newspaper, The Irish Times.

The head of state underlined that, despite repeated attempts to influence elections and destabilize the country, Moldova had proved resilience and determination in defending democratic processes.

“Russia is a threat to everyone. Countries that are not in Moscow’s orbit probably do not feel the threat of a conventional war as we do and as is happening in Ukraine. Russia has learned that it is easier to impose its will through hybrid wars than through troops on the ground. Thus, people need to be aware that Moscow is trying to influence their elections, and this has been noticed in our country,” Maia Sandu said.

The president noted that the war in Ukraine had triggered an energy crisis in  Moldova.

“Despite this, the country has managed to remove its dependence on Russian gas. Our national airspace has been constantly violated and Russian Shahed drones have landed on people’s rooftops. A recent attack on a hydropower plant in Ukraine left people without water,” Maia Sandu noted.

The Moldovan president emphasized that the country’s ambition was to join the EU by 2030. She also referred to the progress noted by the European Commission in the integration process.

“The most significant reform we are undertaking is justice reform and strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption institutions. Moldova has studied Ireland’s experience in the EU and how this has transformed the country. We have much to learn and we are quite grateful that Ireland has supported Moldova’s path toward European integration and has helped us in recent years when we had to deal with crisis situations,” the official specified.

Maia Sandu paid an official visit to Ireland on April 8.  The agenda included meetings with President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and support for the European path of Moldova, in the context of Ireland taking over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on July 1, 2026.