Overview

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk made a joint Independence Day visit to Chişinău to support President Maia Sandu’s pro‑European government.
• Merz declared that the “door to the European Union is open” for Moldova and pledged assistance against disinformation and cyber campaigns targeting the country.
• Moldovan leaders warned of unprecedented interference ahead of the vote, citing disinformation, paid protests, alleged vote‑buying and hacking efforts attributed to Russia.
• Reports highlighted Transnistria as a key pressure point, with Russian troops stationed in the separatist region since the 1990s.
• The September 28 parliamentary election could reshape Moldova’s orientation, with polls showing the pro‑EU PAS leading but at risk of losing its majority as four pro‑Russia parties form a bloc.