Moldova's fight is Europe's fight !

Today, the European Parliament hosts the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, as her country faces pernicious foreign interference just days before a parliamentary election that will determine the future of Moldovan democracy.

Maia Sandu will also be welcomed at an extraordinary meeting of Renew Europe MEPs, which will confirm that it stands by her and her people at this decisive moment.

Renew Europe group will convey a clear message to the President Maia Sandu: Europe shall not tolerate Russian interference in our neighbourhood’s democratic processes.Russia has already pumped over €200 million – more than 1% of Moldova's entire GDP – into propaganda and hybrid operations designed to derail the country's European future.

The stakes couldn't be higher. But Moldova is fighting back – and winning. Despite facing Russia's full-scale aggression against neighbouring Ukraine and relentless hybrid attacks, Moldova has made remarkable progress.

Europe must respond with equal determination. Renew Europe demands immediate action: accelerate the opening of accession negotiations on cluster 1(Fundamentals), increase financial and technical support to counter Russian interference and strengthen sanctions against those orchestrating these attacks on democracy.

MEP Dan Barna (USR, Romania), Renew Europe shadow rapporteur on the Republic of Moldova said :

"I firmly call on the Council to open accession negotiations with Moldova on the „Fundamentals” cluster. Putin is orchestrating massive hybrid attacks and disinformation campaigns in Moldova, which is the latest frontline in the defense of Europe. We must respond accordingly as the country already fulfilled all merit based conditionalities. Furthermore, during the future MFF negotiations, Moldova must be included with adequate funding in the pre-accession financing budget lines. I will carefully scrutinize the negotiations with the Commission on the proposed Global Europe budget heading."

The Growth Plan is already delivering results, but we must move faster. Moldova needs energy independence, stronger cyber defences, improved strategic communication and continued judicial reforms to build resilience against Russian interference.

This is about more than one country. Moldova sits on the EU's eastern border, its success strengthens European security; its failure emboldens Putin's imperial ambitions.

The message to Moscow is unambiguous: your interference will fail. The message to Moldova is equally clear: Europe stands with you.