Leaders of France, Germany and Poland travelled to Moldova on August 27 to mark the country’s 34th anniversary of independence, pledging firm support for its European Union bid as the ex-Soviet republic braces for elections overshadowed by fears of Russian interference.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stood alongside Moldovan President Maia Sandu in central Chișinău, in a show of support for the country's European path. 

“The presence of European leaders on our national day represents a strong signal of friendship and respect for our people, but also a clear confirmation that the European path of the Republic of Moldova is not a distant dream, but a common project,” Sandu said in a statement published by the Moldovan presidency.

Sandu first came to power promising to anchor her country in the West. She said Moldova’s choice was made starker by Russia’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

“The merciless war that Russia wages against Ukraine shows us daily that Europe means freedom and peace, whilst Putin’s Russia means war and death,” she said. “Our independence and future are in our hands and we have no right to lose them.”

In a lengthy independence day address, Sandu cast Moldova’s trajectory as part of Europe’s postwar peace project. “Almost 75 years ago, after the most destructive war in history, the visionary leaders of France and Germany had the courage to build together a united Europe, where former rivals became partners. Somewhat later, Poland, after decades of dictatorship, showed that freedom and democracy can be reborn and strengthen Europe. Today, Moldova is following in the footsteps of this history.”

Sandu said her government had consolidated institutions, bolstered energy security, and gained access to the EU single market, where “our producers find stability, clear rules and real opportunities, not embargoes and blackmail”. But she warned of “interference in our elections, illegal funding from abroad, disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, paid protests, the use of the church and online platforms for anti-European messages, the sabotage of the diaspora vote, the propagation of hatred between communities.”

“Part of the European family"

Macron, who has repeatedly sought to strengthen ties with Eastern Europe, said Moldova’s orientation was clear. “Moldova is part of the European family through the values it defends,” he told a joint news conference. “Together we want to send a message of friendship, solidarity and trust in our common future.”

On social media, Macron posted: “Today in Chișinău, we celebrate Moldova's Independence Day, marking the country's entry into the era of sovereignty and regained freedom. A common horizon unites us: Europe, friendship, solidarity and confidence in the future.”

The French presidency said the Weimar Triangle leaders – France, Germany and Poland – were also reaffirming “their full support for Moldova’s security, sovereignty and European path.”

Tusk cast Moldova’s EU ambitions as integral to the bloc’s own security. “There is no secure EU, no secure Poland, no secure France, and no secure Germany — without an independent and secure Moldova,” he said.

“Europe will be stronger with Moldova – your resilience, your values and your voice will enrich our Union,” he added. “Moldova is exactly the kind of country we want in the European Union. You are very ambitious and courageous, but also rich in tradition, very hardworking, and always ready to defend what is right.”

“The door to the EU is open”

Moldova applied for EU membership alongside Ukraine in 2022. Since then, it has progressed rapidly, outpacing some aspiring members from the Western Balkans. The European council decided to open accession negotiations in December 2023, and Moldova’s first intergovernmental conference was held in June 2023. 

Merz said that Chișinău’s reforms were laying the groundwork for accession. “The door to the European Union is open. You are wholeheartedly welcome in this European Union,” he said, according to a German government statement.

“It cannot be taken for granted that Moldova has chosen to join the European Union on its own. Things could have turned out very differently. Russia’s cruel war against Ukraine reminds us of that every day,” he added.

The German leader pledged to keep sending experts to support Moldova’s reform agenda and said his country stood “by Moldova to preserve its freedom and sovereignty.” He called for “a lasting peace” in the region but insisted it must not come at the price of “Ukraine’s capitulation.”

Crucial elections ahead

Moldova, a country of 2.5mn people situated between Ukraine and EU member Romania, declared independence from Moscow in 1991 but has long been divided between pro-European and pro-Russian political forces. Part of its territory is controlled by Russia-backed separatists. 

Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secured a victory in last year’s referendum to enshrine EU membership in the constitution, followed by her re-election to a second term. 

However, opinion polls suggest PAS could lose its parliamentary majority in the elections next month, which both Brussels and Chișinău warn could be targeted by Moscow through propaganda and covert financing.