VIDEO // Elections in Moldova, 'a victory for Europe' – EU leaders' assessment at EPC Summit in Copenhagen

The result of the parliamentary elections in Moldova represents ‘’a victory for Europe,’’ as assessed by the European Union leaders gathered at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Copenhagen. The central subject of the discussions in a topic-related panel was the resilience of Moldova against Russian interferences. Attending the discussions were President Maia Sandu, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Maia Sandu emphasized that Moldova had managed to massively counter Russia's attempts to influence the elections on September 28, proving that ‘’even a small and fragile democracy can withstand external pressures.’’

‘’Russia had two goals at these elections: a maximalist one – to capture Moldova through the election, and another – to destabilize the country and discredit the results. And it failed because both the state institutions and society as a whole worked hard,’’ said Maia Sandu.

The Moldovan president was congratulated and applauded by European leaders,  who described the September 28 elections as ‘’a test for democracy’’ and ‘’ lesson for Europe.’’

‘’The ability to withstand interference and disinformation on behalf of Russia was clearly at the center of the campaign, and you resisted. The election in Moldova is of interest to us, to learn from this victory, because there is such interference at all elections,’’ said French President Emmanuel Macron.

‘’Even a small Moldova can defeat Russia,’’ said the Polish Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of the lesson provided by Moldova for the whole of Europe:

‘’Your example is a good lesson for us and it means that, if you have enough determination and courage, then you can defeat Russia. And if you are a small Moldova – you can win as well,’’ said Tusk.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Moscow's actions were not limited to military aggression against Ukraine, but target the whole of Europe.

‘’Putin has the appetite to interfere throughout Europe – whether in our airspace or in the cyber sector. These are relentless and we must fight with all we have,’’ noted Starmer.

President Maia Sandu is participating in the EPC Summit in Copenhagen, under the presidency of Denmark in the EU. The head of state had an intervention at the opening session and has scheduled meetings with European leaders, heads of state, and government officials.

The meeting's agenda includes such topics as advancing Moldova's process of accession to the European Union following the elections on September 28, economic development and regional peace and security.

The European Political Community was launched at an initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron as a platform for political dialogue on peace and security on the continent, as well as cooperation between EU member states and those outside the community area. The inaugural EPC Summit took place in Prague in October 2022, and the second edition was hosted by Moldova in Bulboaca, in June 2023.