Overview

• On August 27, the German chancellor, France’s president and Poland’s prime minister visited Chişinău for Independence Day, met President Maia Sandu and addressed a large public gathering.
• Merz declared that “the door to the European Union is open” and, with Macron and Tusk, pledged support to protect Moldova’s sovereignty and counter hybrid threats.
• The visiting leaders accused Russia of sustained interference, as Moldovan officials report disinformation, paid protests, vote-buying and cyberattacks, with leverage exerted via Transnistria.
• Moldova, an EU candidate since 2022 with accession talks opened in 2024, faces a September 28 parliamentary election in which multiple pro-Russian parties have formed a joint bloc.
• The high-visibility trip revived Weimar Triangle coordination and aimed to reassure voters that European backing will continue as campaigning intensifies.