The U.S. Institute of Peace proudly hosted Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip, accompanied by several of his cabinet ministers, for a discussion focused on his country’s foreign policy, regional role, reform achievements, political situation, and efforts to combat Russian influence. It is a critical period for Eastern Europe and a key time for Moldova in light of November's parliamentary elections that will determine the further direction of the country.

This conversation with Prime Minister Filip included ongoing democratic consolidation and economic development. Since the 2016 establishment of the government led by Prime Minister Filip, Moldova has enacted a series of important reforms to secure the country's Western-oriented development path. The conversation included a discussion of Moldova’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its successful process of democratization in Eastern Europe. Prime Minister Filip’s cabinet ministers also commented on their portfolios. 

Panelists

Ambassador William B. Taylor, moderator
Executive Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace

The Honorable Pavel Filip
Prime Minister, Republic of Moldova

Tudor Ulianovschi
Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Republic of Moldova

Eugen Sturza
Minister of Defense, Republic of Moldova

Chiril Gaburici
Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Republic of Moldova

Related Publications

Russia’s War on Moldova Will Be Political in 2024. And Then?

Russia’s War on Moldova Will Be Political in 2024. And Then?

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

By: James Rupert

As Ukraine defends its independence and democracy against Russia’s invasion, tiny Moldova confronts a parallel Russian “hybrid war” — and the past 12 weeks have sharpened this battle for Moldova in 2024. Moldova advanced its accession to the European Union and joined EU sanctions against Russians driving the war on Ukraine. Moldova’s government scheduled a referendum to ratify the country’s future as a European democracy after more than 150 years as a militarized frontier of Russian empires. Russia’s malign uses of information, election interference and capacity to trigger a real war — a second front against Europe — heighten the urgency to strengthen Moldova’s resilience and energize its pro-democracy constituency in 2024.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Policy

At Ukraine’s Edge, Russia Presses Hybrid War on Tiny Moldova

At Ukraine’s Edge, Russia Presses Hybrid War on Tiny Moldova

Thursday, July 27, 2023

By: James Rupert

At a sensitive edge of Russia’s war on Ukraine, Moscow is sustaining a campaign to regain control in Moldova, the small, ex-Soviet republic landlocked between Ukraine and Romania. Russia has maneuvered for years to scuttle Moldovans’ aims to join the European Union, crimping their economy and controlling easternmost Moldova with Russian troops and proxies. A Kremlin-backed party won a Moldovan regional election in May and Moscow will aim to defeat Moldova’s pro-European national government in elections by 2025. The United States and its partners should urgently unify efforts to help Moldovans sustain their independence and stability.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Policy

In Moldova, Russia Wages Another Hybrid War

In Moldova, Russia Wages Another Hybrid War

Thursday, November 3, 2022

By: James Rupert

The past week underscores a rising threat in Europe from Russia’s savage assault on Ukraine: the Kremlin’s parallel destabilization of tiny Moldova, between Ukraine and Romania. The Kremlin is escalating a hybrid subversion campaign against Moldova’s effort to build a stable democracy and join the European Union. It is choking off vital gas supplies to tank the economy, sponsoring mass anti-government protests and helping a fugitive Moldovan oligarch launch the latest of several pro-Russia political parties. European policymakers say Moldova, partly occupied by Russian troops, is one of the countries most vulnerable to a spread of the war in Ukraine.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

View All Publications