Moldova is working with the European Union and the United States on a plan to reintegrate the separatist region of Transnistria, a process officials describe as sensitive and requiring full discretion, according to the Romanian daily Adevarul.

Transnistria, on the left bank of the Dniester, has operated for more than three decades as a de facto entity sustained politically, militarily and economically by Moscow since the 1992 conflict. The renewed focus on reintegration comes as Chișinău accelerates its EU accession efforts and seeks stronger Western backing for its security and state consolidation agenda.

Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri said the authorities are developing a detailed roadmap but cannot disclose steps underway, explaining that public commentary during negotiations could undermine the strategy. He added that results would be presented publicly once concrete progress is secured.

Chiveri dismissed suggestions that the Transnistrian settlement should be folded into discussions on a potential peace framework between Russia and Ukraine. Moldova, he said, does not want to be part of “a conflict settlement package” and sees only one possible regional element: the withdrawal of Russian troops illegally stationed in Transnistria. The political settlement itself must come through a negotiation process that includes the Transnistrian side and is supported by the EU and the US.

He also noted that the “5+2” format—bringing together Moldova, Transnistria, Russia, Ukraine, the OSCE, and observers from the EU and US—can no longer function, as Russia and Ukraine are at war and cannot be expected to participate in talks over a separate conflict. In his view, the format cannot be considered viable in the foreseeable future.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu confirmed in November that discussions with American and European partners on a reintegration plan are ongoing, though he also declined to provide details. Asked about the possibility of removing Russian forces from Transnistria in line with Moldova’s EU integration goal, Munteanu said such elements are included in the confidential talks.

President Maia Sandu previously stated that Moldova is considering two scenarios for EU accession. The preferred option is for the country to join “in a single step” with Transnistria reintegrated. The alternative, if reintegration proves impossible in the short term due to Russia’s military presence, would see Moldova join the EU without the region, with reintegration pursued later. Sandu stressed that the continued presence of Russian troops is the greatest obstacle to unification.