As Russia intensifies efforts to destabilise Moldova, France has stepped up its support, reinforcing bilateral ties and backing Chisinau’s push for resilience against foreign interference during a bilateral meeting in Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France’s unwavering support for Moldova in the face of increasing Russian attempts to destabilise the Eastern European country.
During a visit by Moldovan President Maia Sandu to Paris on Monday, both leaders signed agreements to strengthen cooperation, particularly in countering disinformation and improving Moldova’s energy resilience.
Macron condemned what he described as “increasingly uninhibited Russian attempts at destabilisation,” highlighting the pressures Moldova has faced since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sandu, who was sworn in for a second term in December, has been vocal about Russian interference in Moldovan elections, warning that Moscow seeks to undermine Moldova’s sovereignty and use it as a tool against Ukraine.
France says it will support Moldova amid fears of Russian destabilisation
Strengthening bilateral ties against disinformation
A key outcome of Sandu’s visit was the signing of an agreement between Moldova and France to enhance cooperation in detecting and combating digital disinformation.
The partnership involves collaboration between the French government agency Viginum and Moldova’s Strategic Communication Centre to protect Moldova’s electoral processes from foreign interference.
Both leaders emphasised the critical role of truth in safeguarding democracy.
Sandu underscored that in today’s geopolitical landscape, “truth is as vital as security,” highlighting the strategic importance of countering Russian propaganda.
The move comes in response to multiple reports of Russian-backed efforts to manipulate Moldova's 2024 elections, including cyberattacks, vote buying, and misinformation campaigns.
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Energy resilience and economic cooperation
Another significant development from Sandu’s visit was the signing of a €30 million agreement with the French Development Agency to improve Moldova’s energy efficiency.
With Moldova striving to reduce its reliance on Russian energy, the deal will help lower costs and reinforce the country’s energy independence.
Moldova has accused Russia of engineering an artificial energy crisis to destabilise the nation ahead of the recent elections.
The suspension of gas exports to Moldova’s separatist Transnistria region by Gazprom has further intensified tensions.
France’s investment in improving Moldova’s energy infrastructure is a key step towards mitigating the economic and political leverage Russia holds over the country.
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Moldova’s diplomatic position
Diplomatic relations between Moldova and Russia remain tense, with the Kremlin recently accusing Chisinau of violating diplomatic conventions by refusing to formally accept the credentials of Russia’s ambassador.
Moldova’s Foreign Ministry rejected Moscow's claims, asserting that its decision aligns with international norms under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Sandu justified the decision, pointing to Moscow’s repeated disrespect towards Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Kremlin had summoned Moldova’s ambassador to protest the move, but Chisinau has remained firm in its stance, arguing that Russia’s actions – including its military presence in Transnistria and interference in Moldova’s internal affairs – justify Moldova’s cautious approach to diplomatic engagement.
As Moldova pushes forward with its EU membership ambitions, Sandu reiterated the need for strong support from European allies.
She warned that Moscow’s strategy is to exploit Moldova’s vulnerabilities and subvert its democracy.
Given Moldova’s proximity to the war in neighbouring Ukraine and its history of Russian influence, the country remains a key geopolitical battleground.
(With newswires)
