"Crown on site

Moldova: A small country in Russia’s stranglehold

Moldova is once again at a crossroads.

(Bild: Vadim Ghirda / AP / picturedesk.com)

In Moldova, too, concerns about a new war front are now growing. The pressure from the Kremlin is increasing and Moscow is trying to stir up unrest. The situation in the country, right on the border with Ukraine, is certainly precarious! 

Gray prefabricated buildings line the road from the airport to the Moldovan capital Chisinău. The roads are full of potholes. The first scent of spring is in the air.

For many, the Republic of Moldova is a "blind spot" on the map. Bordered by Ukraine to the east and Romania to the west, the Eastern European country is one of the poorest in Europe. The situation in the small country is extremely fragile. It was only granted EU candidate status in June 2022. The reasons for this are obvious: the Kremlin has been trying to destabilize Ukraine's neighbor since the start of the Russian war of aggression. It therefore needs protection from Putin's stranglehold. But there is still a very long way to go before it becomes a member.

"We will be in the EU by 2030 at the latest - hopefully" 
In an interview with "Krone", Education Minister Dan Perciun sets out the direction of travel and is extremely optimistic. "We will be in the EU by 2030 at the latest - hopefully," says the politician. So that young people in the country, in particular, have prospects again. The 32-year-old is seen as the future hope of the liberal party, which is clearly pro-European.

No wonder: after all, the minimum wage is only 250 euros. Far too little to cover the sharp rise in the cost of living and energy costs. For many, there is therefore no reason to stay. The official figures also speak for themselves: in 1990, there were still around 4.4 million people living in Moldova. Today there are fewer than 2.6.

I definitely see the future of my country in the EU and hope that the process will continue in this positive way.

Katalina Tsurkow (18), Schülerin

Katalina (18) can imagine going to study in an EU country after her A-levels.

(Bild: Christoph Engelmaier)

The population would like to complete the EU accession process sooner rather than later, but at the same time anti-European movements in the country are being supported from the surrounding countries because there is no interest in a strong Europe.

Then there is the breakaway region of Transnistria. Where the poor country already had a conflict with its big neighbor. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, a bloody civil war broke out over this part of the country in 1992, displacing 100,000 people. Since then, Russia has permanently stationed 1500 so-called "peacekeepers" there. Today, around 220,000 Russian citizens live here.

"The year 1992 must not be repeated. We are very nervous and afraid that the situation could escalate."

Natalia Alhazova (73), Pensionistin

Natalia Alhazova (73) is a retired teacher and works as a tourist guide. She is currently very worried. Like many in Moldova.

(Bild: Christoph Engelmaier)

"The year 1992 must not be repeated. Of course we are very nervous and scared," 73-year-old Natalia tells The Crown in Chisinău. Many people in the country think like her at the moment. After all, the last sabre-rattling by the Russians was not so long ago. The separatists had asked Moscow for "protection" from Moldova due to increasing economic difficulties. The Kremlin immediately agreed. Just a few days ago, a drone attack on a pro-Russian military base was reported. It is a dangerous game that Putin is playing here. With a risk of escalation.

Over 220,000 people with Russian passports live in Transnistria.

(Bild: Dmitri Lovetsky / AP / picturedesk.com)

In any case, Austria has pledged solidarity on the road to the EU - it believes in the up-and-coming country. Around 30 domestic companies are currently active here, including insurance companies, banks and the light industry. With a total investment of 96 million euros, we are among the top 10 countries.

Austria supportsMoldova'saccession to the EU
Austria is already working closely with Moldova to strengthen political and economic relations. Only recently, Education Minister Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) opened our own school abroad, which is intended to make our know-how available to young people there - as a signal to the Kremlin. The purpose-built technical college will specialize in IT skills and is set to start teaching in autumn 2025 with three first classes. Around 250 to 300 students will be taught there, mostly in German, according to an adapted Austrian curriculum.

Incidentally, a vote on EU accession is due to take place in Moldova this year. In order to anchor the aspirations in the constitution. Moldova is therefore once again at a crossroads.

 Christoph Engelmaier from Chişinău (Moldova)