Thirty-fifth anniversary of Venice Commission // Moldovan president says defending democracy has never been more difficult, complex, urgent

There are two major, often overlapping dangers, that threaten democracy today—not just in Moldova, but throughout much of Europe. Under these conditions, defending democracy has never been more difficult, complex and urgent. President Maia Sandu today made statements to this effect. She participated in the ceremony dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Venice Commission

The head of state started her speech by appreciating the role of the Venice Commission in strengthening democratic processes in Moldova.

"It is an honor to join you in celebrating 35 years since the founding of the Venice Commission—an institution that represents the cornerstone of the democratic Europe. For Moldova, your role has been essential. You have guided us in drafting our Constitution, in reforming legislation, in strengthening justice and in developing the framework for combating corruption. Your opinions have often served as benchmarks in our process of joining the European Union. Each reform has become a line of defense against those who would like to abuse our young state. Moldova has managed to maintain and strengthen its democracy over the past 34 years—and this is also thanks to your support. On behalf of all citizens of Moldova, I want to thank you for helping us to be a democracy," said the president.

At the same time, the head of state warned that what the people of Moldova have built— with the support of the Venice Commission—was "in danger."

Maia Sandu noted that the first major threat currently faced by democracy was the war that Russia is waging against Europe. The second is "the digital world itself—a world for which, to a great extent, our democratic legal framework is not yet prepared."

"What the people of Moldova have built — with your support — is in danger. There are two major dangers, often overlapping, threatening democracy today — not just in Moldova, but throughout much of Europe. The first is the war that Russia is waging against Europe. Its most visible front is the brutal aggression against Ukraine. But Russia is also waging a hybrid war against other European democracies — using drones, cyberattacks, interference with elections and illicit financing. The second danger is the digital world itself — a world for which, to a great extent, our democratic legal framework is not yet prepared," said Maia Sandu.

The head of state pointed out that all these threats had fully manifested themselves in the recent elections organized in Moldova. According to the president, Russia could not reach us with its tanks, being stopped by the courage and resilience of Ukraine, but found another way: "a hybrid assault on our democracy," and as a result, "the elections have become the new front line."

"Now that we've had this experience — with the lessons still fresh — I can say that defending democracy has never been more difficult, more complex and more urgent," emphasized the president.

In the final part of her speech, President Maia Sandu stated that "defending democracy today is not a national project, but a collective one" and emphasized the need to conceive legal and institutional tools to defend democracy from new threats.

"If authoritarian regimes learn faster than democracies can adapt, we will lose. We cannot afford to be slower than those who want to destroy freedom. That's why I am addressing you – the Venice Commission – as guardians of democracy. For 35 years, you've contributed to building our legal foundations. Now, we have to strengthen them for a new era—so they can protect freedom in the next 35. Together, we must conceive the legal and institutional tools to defend democracy from new threats. And we must do it quickly. We must redefine transparency, accountability and political freedom in a world where money, technology and disinformation move faster than the law," concluded Maia Sandu.

Today, President Maia Sandu participated in the ceremony dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Venice Commission. The event was opened by Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset and President of the Venice Commission Claire Bazy-Malaurie, in the presence of President of Italy Sergio Mattarella. The ceremony was also attended by President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani, as well as other high-ranking officials.

The Venice Commission, fully known as the European Commission for Democracy through Law, is an advisory body of the Council of Europe, specializing in constitutional law. It was established in 1990 after the fall of communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe, in order to support new democracies in drafting constitutions and a legal framework that observes the principles of the rule of law, democracy and human rights.

The Commission's headquarters is located in Venice, Italy, and its membership includes independent constitutional law experts from over 60 member states, including Moldova.