Moldova elections: European leaders hail victory over Russian interference
European leaders have said that recent parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova were "a test for democracy" and "a lesson for Europe," at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu was applauded at the start of the event, after the European Council President, António Costa, congratulated her on the "landslide victory" that pro-European forces secured in the parliamentary elections on September 28.
During a panel discussion on the sidelines of the EPC Summit, President Sandu, along with European leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, discussed Moldova’s resilience to Russian interference.
"The elections we had on September 28 were not simple. It was a test for a democracy under attack. Russia spent hundreds of millions of euros to illegally finance political parties... But the lesson is that exposure and prevention work," stated Ms Sandu.
She said authorities had confiscated money, arrested individuals involved in voter corruption schemes, and demonstrated that the Kremlin's plans had failed.
"A small, fragile democracy like Moldova's had withstood Russia's enormous resources. And if Moldova succeeded, then anyone can," President Sandu said.
"We are prepared to share the lessons learned with all countries that fear their elections could be threatened by Russia," she added.
Keir Starmer: "A Great Victory for Europe"
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the vote on September 28 represented "a great victory for Moldova and for Europe in the face of Russia's interference," warning that Moscow was not limiting itself to attacks against Ukraine.
"Mr Putin has an appetite for meddling across Europe—whether in our airspace or the cyber domain. These efforts are relentless, and we must fight them with everything we have," the British official pointed out.
Emmanuel Macron: "A Test Case for Europe's Resilience"
French President Emmanuel Macron described the elections in Moldova as "a test case for Europe's resilience."
"The capacity to resist interference and disinformation coming from Russia was clearly at the centre of your campaign, and you resisted. It is very interesting for all of us to learn from this victory, because similar interference exists in all elections," said Mr Macron, recalling that France had also been the target of similar interference attempts.
Donald Tusk: "A Spectacular Example"
"The example of Moldova is a good lesson for all of us. If you are determined and brave enough, you can win. Even a small Moldova can defeat Russia," declared Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The Polish official added that the vote in Moldova was "a spectacular example."
Summit Opening and Agenda
The European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen began on Thursday, 2 October, with a message addressed to Moldova.
"I want to congratulate Maia Sandu, the President of Moldova, for the landslide victory that the democratic and pro-European forces achieved last Sunday," declared the European Council President, António Costa, at the opening of the meeting.
The statement was followed by applause from the European leaders present.
It was also noted that President Sandu was greeted with flowers at the summit, presented by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
The Republic of Moldova's bid to join the European Union, economic development, peace, and regional security were also on the agenda of the EPC Summit, held from 1-2 October.
The EPC Summit is hosted by Denmark, the country that currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
