A recent poll has unveiled the sentiments of Moldovans regarding their country’s potential membership in NATO and the European Union (EU). According to a study conducted by the Viitorul Institute for Development and Social Initiatives, if a referendum were held on Moldova’s NATO membership, 55.4% of respondents would vote against it, while only 28.5% would support it. Conversely, regarding EU membership, 54.5% of respondents express support, while 30.5% oppose it.
In contrast to NATO and the EU, 41.5% of Moldovans back the idea of joining the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia and former Soviet states. Moldova, nestled between Ukraine and Romania, has pursued a distinct pro-Western trajectory, notably electing Maia Sandu as president in 2020. The authorities in Chisinau aligned with Western sanctions against Moscow in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Despite being granted candidate status for EU membership in 2022 and initiating accession talks with the European Council, Moldova’s constitutional neutrality prohibits it from seeking NATO membership. Nonetheless, NATO has expressed increased support for Moldova to bolster its capabilities and resilience. This support aims to assist Moldova’s path toward EU membership, as stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Moldova’s neutral status allows for the modernization of its military for defensive purposes, similar to other neutral states like Switzerland, Finland, and Sweden. However, Russia has expressed concern over Moldova’s cooperation with NATO, alleging that NATO supplies military equipment under the pretext of a ‘Russian threat’ to draw Moldova into the alliance, despite its constitutional neutrality.
Russia’s worry over Moldova’s neutrality contrasts with its own actions, as Russia hosts about 1500 troops from its 14th army illegally on Moldovan territory, violating Moldova’s neutrality. Despite repeated demands for Russia to withdraw its troops, citing reasons of ‘peacekeeping,’ Russia has refused, exacerbating tensions over Moldova’s sovereignty and neutrality.
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