VIDEO // Chisinau–Tiraspol dialogue continues; deputy PM reiterates commitment to reintegration, European integration

A new meeting in the 1+1 format is taking place in Tiraspol today, marking an important stage in the dialogue between the political representatives of Chisinau and Tiraspol. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri has announced a complex agenda focused on practical solutions for citizens on both banks of Dniester River. He emphasized that reintegration of the region into the legal space Moldova stayed the central goal.

Agenda of the talks: From economy to human rights

The today’s meeting addressed important topics, such as the creation of the Convergence Fund, freedom of movement, education and environmental protection. A critical point on the agenda was the illegal detention of citizens on the left bank of the Dniester River. The deputy PM noted high-profile cases, such as Pancioha, Zaharov, Cenusa, Ceban and Zimin.

“Pancioha’s case and other high-profile cases are under the close attention of the  Reintegration Policies Bureau. This issue was on the agenda of the discussions on February 26 and was also included in today’s meeting. We have raised awareness among international actors, including the OSCE Mission, to intervene in these cases which, unfortunately, have not yet been resolved,” said Valeriu Chiveri.

Convergence Fund: Investing in people

A key initiative, initially launched in February 2026, remains the creation of the Convergence Fund. It is meant to stimulate reintegration through social and infrastructure projects, financed both from domestic and external resources, including from customs duties collected from economic operators in the region.

“This fund does not represent an accumulation of resources, but investments in people – social projects, infrastructure and quality of life,” specified the deputy prime minister.

Education and mobility: Realities with no alternative

In the education field, Chisinau insists on the switch of schools teaching in the so‑called “Moldovan language” to the Romanian language, a process planned to be completed by September 1, 2026. Chiveri described this transition as “a return to normality,” highlighting the need to provide children with access to quality education.

As for citizens’ mobility, the official noted a clear trend of rapprochement.

“More and more citizens from the left bank are using services on the right bank, including in education and on the labour market. This is a reality with no alternative,” the deputy PM said.

At the same time, the official also addressed such topics as the unified 112 emergency system, the modernization of road infrastructure and environmental projects, calling for the continuation of technical discussions on these issues.

Challenges and future perspectives

In the context of openness to dialogue, Valeriu Chiveri acknowledged the lack of significant progress in key areas, such as freedom of movement and media access, noting that many of Chisinau’s requests had been treated in a formal manner by the Tiraspol administration. Nevertheless, he underlined the importance of maintaining the 1+1 platform.

“The 1+1 format is an important and useful platform. Even if we do not always manage to achieve the set objectives, it is good to meet and discuss feasible issues, in order to bring the two banks of Dniester closer together,” the official stressed.

The deputy prime minister reiterated that respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova was essential for the stability of the entire country and proposed that the next meeting be held in Chisinau.

The today’s dialogue comes after the resumption of the 1+1 format in February 2026, following a break of more than a year. The reintegration process is taking place in a complex context, also marked by the withdrawal of Moldovan citizenship from more individuals of the breakaway administration, a decision signed by President Maia Sandu in last February. Chisinau remains firm in its position that the settlement of the conflict can be achieved exclusively through dialogue and practical measures for the benefit of citizens.

The 1+1 format in the Transnistrian settlement involves direct talks between the chief negotiators on behalf of Chisinau and Tiraspol. This dialogue aims to resolve current issues, including social, economic and educational aspects.