French, German and Polish Leaders to Visit Moldova in Signal of Defiance to Russia

The leaders of France, Germany and Poland will arrive in Moldova on Wednesday in a united show of support for the pro-EU nation, a day before campaigning begins for next month’s parliamentary elections that are clouded by allegations of Russian interference.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will meet Moldovan President Maia Sandu during the country’s 34th Independence Day celebrations, underscoring their backing for Moldova’s EU membership aspirations.

“This visit reflects strong European support as Russia intensifies its interference activities ahead of the high-stakes elections,” the Moldovan presidency said in a statement.

Sandu, a staunch critic of Moscow since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has pushed forward EU accession talks launched in June 2024. She and her allies have accused Russia of attempting to destabilize Moldova through intimidation, meddling and support for separatism in the pro-Moscow Transnistria region, where Russian troops remain stationed.

The three EU leaders will hold a joint press conference with Sandu, followed by a dinner and speeches during Independence Day festivities in Chisinau’s central square. A concert will conclude the celebrations.

Macron, Merz and Tusk are expected to reaffirm their commitment to Moldova’s sovereignty and European path. “We cannot ignore the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which directly affects Moldova,” a French presidential adviser said.

Analysts describe the joint visit of the so-called Weimar Triangle leaders as a historic first for Moldova. “It is a symbolic message to Russia that Europe is watching closely,” said Valeriu Pasha of the Chisinau-based think tank Watchdog.

While Sandu’s PAS party is tipped to lead in September’s elections, observers warn the outcome remains uncertain amid “huge Russian interference, with massive amounts of money funneled in to sway voters,” Pasha noted. Sandu has alleged that Moscow is preparing “unprecedented interference,” including vote-buying and crypto-financing schemes worth around €100 million.

The European leaders’ visit comes as Western efforts to push forward peace talks between Russia and Ukraine appear to have stalled, with Germany and France stressing that the next move lies with President Vladimir Putin.