HOW CAN THE US SUPPORT MOLDVA'S WESTERN ASPIRATIONS? - In June 2022, Moldova officially received European Union candidate status alongside Ukraine, placing it on a clear trajectory towards the West and Euro-Atlantic institutions. Chișinău continues to reinforce this trend through continued deep engagement and dialogue with Brussels and Washington in fields of strategic, energy, and economic cooperation. Most recently, this has included the Moldova-US Strategic Dialogue and the Second European Political Community Summit, both hosted in Chișinău to foster Moldova’s continued coordination with the West. The United States remains a stalwart partner of Moldova in supporting Chișinău’s long-term democratic and economic reforms as well as its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of continued Russian interference and aggression.

How has Moldova progressed on its path towards EU membership? How can the West best aid Moldova as it pursues further integration with Western institutions and steels itself against Russian destabilization efforts? How can Washington and Chișinău continue to work together towards deeper, more dynamic relations?

The Atlantic Council gathered a panel featuring the speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the chair of the Foreign Affairs and European Integration Committee of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 07/14/23