Speakers:

• Knut Abraham, MP, CDU/CSU Faction, Berlin/Finsterwalde
• Paula Erizanu, Journalist and Writer, Chișinău

Moderation:

• Michael Martens, Correspondent for Southeast Europe, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ)
   

On September 28, 2025 the Republic of Moldova will hold parliamentary elections – a watershed moment for a country which has traditionally been torn between pro-EU and pro-Russian forces. The last parliamentary elections in 2021 equipped the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) of President Maia Sandu with an absolute majority. The then formed government is pursuing an ambitious EU integration and reform path, which has become even more promising after the opening of accession negotiations in December 2023. However, a significant share of Moldova’s population still holds rather EU-sceptical and pro-Russian views. In 2024, an EU referendum and presidential elections took place, which were won by the pro-EU forces albeit with a rather narrow margin. These elections were marked by allegations of vote buying and disinformation campaigns by Russian actors.

In the run-up to the elections in September, our discussion will take a closer look at the current situation in Moldova, the ongoing electoral campaign and possible outcome scenarios. With our distinguished experts we will discuss key issues such as Russia’s ongoing hybrid attacks against Moldova, the current situation regarding Transnistria, the role of the diaspora in the elections, and the impact of potential election outcomes on Moldova’s EU aspirations.