Chisinau is considering raising the issue of unification with Romania modeled on 1918 in the event of a threat to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity from Russia.
This position was stated by Moldova’s Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi during an interview cited by various news agencies. He emphasized that the decision to reunite with Romania would be taken only by the country’s citizens and only by an overwhelming majority.
The head of the Foreign Ministry drew attention to the realities of the war in Ukraine, noting that Russia has been approaching our borders since 2014.
Obviously, if the situation spirals out of control and not only the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, but also the lives and livelihoods of our citizens come under threat, we will have to make difficult decisions. But we want to live in peace. We do not want a Russian invasion and hope that the parties to the conflict will reach a peaceful agreement
– Mihai Popșoi
The leadership’s position and prospects for unification
Popșoi stressed that the decision to unite with Romania is not an easy one and requires broad public support; at present, such a majority does not exist.
If it were a simple decision, it would have been made already. But for now there is no majority that supports this aspiration for unification. Therefore, this will not happen, regardless of the wishes or votes of any particular politician
– the Moldovan Foreign Minister
According to sources, Nicușor Dan, adviser to the Romanian president, and MEP Eugen Tomac said that Bucharest is ready at any moment to sit down at the negotiating table and seriously discuss the unification scenario if Moldova considers it a possible option.
President Maia Sandu noted that in the event of a referendum on unification with Romania she would vote “in favor,” but currently there is no majority of citizens supporting this step; the authorities in Chișinău are focused on European integration – a course supported by the majority of the population.
Harmonizing Ukraine’s and Moldova’s foreign-policy course remains relevant in the context of regional politics and security. At the same time, the main line remains focused on stability and European integration, until citizens express a different preference regarding possible integration with Romania.