Moldova in Transition: CAPACITY4EU Exchange Visit in Berlin

16/07/2025

In the upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova in September 2025, the ruling PAS party is likely to receive a majority of the votes. At the same time, it will probably not gain an absolute majority, making a coalition government necessary. In a political environment in which PAS presents itself as the only pro-European choice, there is a need for democratic political opposition. A persistent problem is the dominance of geopolitical crises in election discourse, sidelining local issues. Disinformation via social media is widespread, especially through propaganda spread by Russia through Russian-speaking channels.

Judicial Reforms

Judicial reform is critical for EU accession, and Moldova has made some tangible progress, such as improved whistleblower protection and the establishment of an Ombudsman. Surveys show that 30% of citizens perceive improvements in the justice system. The vetting of judges is largely complete, and efforts are now focused on prosecutors. However, vetting has led to a shortage of judges, causing delays in legal processes. Furthermore, the Anti-Corruption Agency still lacks a dedicated building.

Local Communities (Cahul)

Local communities in Moldova for example in Cahul often lack a sense of local identity which also makes it harder to communicate the benefits of EU integration on a local level. Major challenges include water distribution and sewage management, exacerbated by poor public communication. Local authorities lack mediation skills, and institutional memory is weak. Administrative reform is stalling: Although a new law on merging municipalities is already in force, it is hardly being put to use. An initiative to reorganise the districts has been put on ice for the time being due to a lack of political will.

Child Rights and Education

Moldova has officially recognised children as human rights defenders – a rare status globally. While legal frameworks have improved, implementation remains difficult. There is a pressing need for capacity building to make schools more democratic. The school curriculum currently is under review. Media and information literacy must become a standard part of all school curricula. However, a lack of digitally competent teachers hampers progress.

Energy Security

Energy remains a vulnerability for Moldova. Currently, electricity from Romania passes through Transnistria before reaching Chisinau – an inherited inefficiency from the Soviet era. The Tiraspol regime is heavily dependent on Russian gas, which is why the Moldovan government should develop a reintegration plan for Transnistria. A turning point is near: by the end of 2025, a direct power line from Romania to Chisinau will be completed, reducing Russian leverage. Renewable energy is expanding, but storage capacity is a challenge.

Environmental Protection

Moldova is one of Europe’s most environmentally vulnerable countries, with low forest cover and heavy reliance on agriculture in an arid climate. Waste and water management are the top concerns, especially with regard to compliance with EU regulation. Effective environmental governance requires business inclusion and safeguards for vulnerable groups. The Growth Plan incorporates environmental aspects, but national working groups in the EU accession process lack sufficient NGO representation.

During the CAPACITY4EU Exchange Visit in Berlin between 22 and 26 June 2025, Moldovan experts exchanged and discussed with German civil society representatives and politicians about challenges and solutions in various policy areas. A public event in cooperation with the German-Moldovan Forum, chaired by Johannes Schraps (SPD), offered opportunities for comprehensive insights.