Maia Sandu, on Moldova’s September 28 Parliamentary Elections and European Path: “The sooner we join the EU, the more secure our democracy will be, and our economy will be protected and ready to attract investments”

President Maia Sandu addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, underlining the strategic link between democracy, security, and economic development in the context of Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025.

European Integration as a Guarantee for Democracy and Economic Stability

Sandu emphasized that European integration is not only a political objective but a measure for national survival. “The sooner we join the European Union, the more secure our democracy will be, and our economy will be protected and ready to attract investments,” she said. EU membership, the president noted, provides a framework for stability, transparency, and sustainable growth, reducing vulnerabilities to external shocks and fostering investor confidence.

Elections as a Key Factor in Economic and Regional Security

The president stressed that the elections are a decisive battlefield against Russian hybrid aggression, which includes illicit funding, disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and diaspora manipulation. These actions affect economic stability by creating uncertainty, reducing investor confidence, and increasing market risks.

Sandu recalled that during last year’s referendum on EU accession, Moldova demonstrated resilience and successfully countered external interference, providing a clear signal to investors that the country’s institutions can maintain stability and enforce the rule of law.

Five Strategic Directions for Protecting Democracy and the Economy

1. Blocking illicit financing and safeguarding elections – to prevent destabilization and protect economic confidence.

2. Building resilience – through energy security, interconnected infrastructure, and integrated markets to mitigate external threats.

3. Engaging citizens – transparent information and free media foster predictability and trust in the market.

4. Strengthening deterrence and coordination – cyber defense and intelligence enhance the protection of critical infrastructure and economic assets.

5. Integration and innovation – involving candidate countries in EU digital and economic security mechanisms ensures a coordinated response to hybrid threats.

Economic Opportunities of European Accession

EU accession is presented as a pathway to economic modernization, foreign investment, and sustainable growth. Access to the single market strengthens strategic sectors, such as energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, while EU rules enhance transparency and reduce corruption risks, creating a favorable environment for businesses.

“The experience of Moldova shows that democracy and economic resilience go hand in hand,” Sandu noted. “Each crisis we survived strengthened our institutions and prepared the economy to attract investments and create jobs.”

Conclusion

President Maia Sandu’s speech underlines that the September 28 elections are not only a political milestone but also an economic and security imperative. Protecting democratic processes ensures economic stability and opens the door for investments, regional cooperation, and further integration with the European Union.