By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- Moldova will be front and center as it hosts the second European Political Community (EPC) Summit on Thursday in the capital Chisinau. The conference will focus on security, climate and energy issues, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing repercussions it has had on Moldova. Discussion is also expected to focus on accelerating Moldova’s entry into the EU in light of the situation across the border in Ukraine. The tiny nation that borders Romania and Ukraine, has been in the spotlight since the Russian invasion not simply because of its geographic vulnerability, also because Russia has had its eye on Moldova for some time. Russia has subjected Moldova to a barrage of veiled threats as well as misinformation. To that end, on Wednesday, the EU opened a civilian mission in Chisinau to support Moldova against Russian disinformation.
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu calls the summit “a testament to growing unity on the (European) continent.” Sandu warned of plots by Russia to overthrow her government using outside saboteurs and she said that in the last several months, missiles have crossed Moldova’s air space and debris from the war in Ukraine was found in Moldova. Sandu added that this summit is a “resolute reaffirmation of our unwavering dedication to peace, a strong condemnation of Russia’s invasion (and of Moldova’s) continued solidarity with Ukraine.”
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Nicu Popescu said: “This is the biggest event of 30 years, a strong sign of commitment to Moldova, a strong sign that Moldova is not alone.” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated Popescu’s sentiment when she mentioned that “good progress” is being made on reforms in Moldova and because of that, more progress can be made on building the necessary administrative structures in Chisinau to move Moldova toward EU membership. Von der Leyen committed the EU to providing 1.6 billion in euro investment and financing for Moldova. At least 47 heads of state and government including non-member European countries including Serbia and Kosovo are gathered at the 19th century wine estate of Mimi Castle, the site of the summit, located just 12 miles from the Ukrainian border and Transnistria.
Meanwhile, a major goal will be for Moldova to make sure it has solid financial and political support for the long haul as well as the security focus which will likely tackle ways to keep Moldova safe as the conflict in the region escalates on a daily basis. The country, home to 2.6 million is especially vulnerable as it is bordered by Ukraine on three sides and was a former Soviet republic. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as well as other major EU players are in attendance. The concept for the summit originated with Macron who visualized it as a “new space for political and security cooperation, cooperation in the energy sector, in transport, investments, infrastructures, the free movement of persons and in particular, of our youth.” In line with that vision, a major meeting is likely to take place with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan that will include European Council President Charles Michel, along with Scholz and Macron. Recent violence due to ethnic tensions between Serbia and Kosovo are also expected to be on the agenda at some point during the summit.
The EPC Summit is definitely sending a message to Russia as Moldovan leaders and von der Leyen have emphasized. Last week, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Gazulin commented: “the EU seeks to consolidate the pro-Western course pursued by the current leadership of Moldova (and) set up the country for confrontation with Russia, ignoring the interests and mood of the population.” Russia has made it clear in veiled threats that it would aim to take control of Moldova’s separatist region, Transnistria which is a major cause for concern in the West as well as NATO.
As European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen made clear, there is a reason that Mimi Castle was chosen as the site for the summit because it conveys a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. As von der Leyen commented: “The presence of 50 European leaders, 50 heads of state and government, right now in Moldova – the EPC now gives a very strong message. Moldova is at the heart of Europe. Moldova is Europe. And today and tomorrow, the whole of Europe is Moldova.” She added: “We support you every step of the way on your path to the European Union.”
