Moldova smells a Kremlin provocation: Sandu rejects Romanian reunification draft bill

The debate over the future relationship between Romania and Moldova has intensified after a legislative proposal on reunification, initiated by Romania’s far-right SOS Romania party, passed tacitly through the Chamber of Deputies. President Maia Sandu argued that the initiative serves Moscow’s interests by undermining, rather than advancing, the idea of reunification.

Speaking in an interview with ProTV Moldova, Sandu argued that the proposal, submitted by a party led by MEP Diana Șoșoacă, should not be viewed as a genuine unionist initiative.

“I don’t think we need to discuss this document. It is a document proposed by an agent of Moscow and the purpose of this action is to discredit the idea of unification, nothing else,” Sandu said.

She compared the initiative to an absurd hypothetical scenario in which Moldova’s parliament would unilaterally decide that France should become part of Moldova, stressing that “this is not how unification is done”.

Sandu reiterated that reunification with Romania has always remained a legitimate political option in Moldova but insisted that it could only materialise through the clear democratic will of Moldovan citizens. “We continue to work on European integration. But unification remains an option that has always existed. It can only become reality through the vote of a majority of citizens, through a strong democratic mandate,” she said.

Moldovan President makes headlines with comment on reunification with Romania

European integration remains the immediate priority

The Moldovan president underlined that her government’s current strategic objective remains accession to the European Union, rather than pursuing constitutional changes related to reunification.

She nevertheless acknowledged that international audiences often raise questions about union because many are unfamiliar with Moldova’s history or with the fact that support for reunification has existed within Moldovan society for decades.

Asked whether regional security concerns could accelerate such a debate, Sandu said the military situation in Ukraine had improved compared with previous months, reducing the immediacy of such scenarios. However, she acknowledged that theoretical security risks inevitably require discussion of possible future options.

The president also warned that any democratic debate inside Moldova continues to be heavily influenced by Russian information operations.

Referring to Moldova’s 2025 referendum on EU integration, Sandu said the authorities had witnessed extensive attempts by Russia to manipulate public opinion before the vote. “We have to understand that we are operating in an environment where our choices are not entirely free because Russian propaganda constantly tries to influence citizens,” she said.

She added that alongside political discussions, Moldova and Romania are already advancing practical forms of integration through joint energy projects, economic cooperation and infrastructure development, including new bridges linking the two countries.

Controversial bill fuels political confrontation

The legislative proposal passed tacitly after the deadline for parliamentary debate expired in Romania’s Chamber of Deputies. The Senate remains the decision-making chamber.

The draft bill states that the Romanian Parliament “decides on the unification of Romania with the Republic of Moldova” and authorises the Romanian government to begin negotiations with authorities in Chișinău to finalise the process. It also envisages notifying international partners, including the EU, NATO, the United States and the United Nations, after the law’s adoption.

Although the initiative has received negative opinions from both the Romanian government and parliamentary committees, its passage through the lower chamber generated strong political reactions in both countries.

Former Moldovan president Igor Dodon, widely regarded as pro-Russian, accused Bucharest of launching procedures for what he described as the “territorial annexation” of Moldova. He demanded that the governing PAS party and President Sandu clearly reject any prospect of union, warning that failure to do so would amount to betraying Moldova’s sovereignty.

At the same time, several Romanian media outlets portrayed the tacit adoption as a significant step towards reunification, despite the proposal facing further parliamentary scrutiny.

Former Moldovan defence minister Anatol Șalaru argued that the initiative risks strengthening Russian propaganda rather than advancing the unionist cause.

According to Șalaru, reunification cannot be achieved through such parliamentary initiatives because the issue goes far beyond the constitutional powers of Romania’s legislature. He argued that the proposal merely provides additional ammunition for Moscow’s narratives aimed at portraying Romania as pursuing expansionist ambitions.

A sensitive debate shaped by public opinion

The renewed political dispute comes against the backdrop of a long-running debate over Moldova’s future geopolitical orientation.

Opinion polling conducted in September 2025 suggested that public attitudes remain divided. While almost two-thirds of respondents described relations with Romania as good or very good, support for reunification remained below majority levels, with around 46% opposing union and just over one-third supporting it in the event of a referendum.

The same survey indicated that the European Union remains the preferred strategic partner for the largest share of Moldovan respondents, ahead of Russia and Romania.

Romanian and Moldovan pro-European leaders have consistently framed reunification as a democratic choice rather than an immediate political objective.

Earlier this year, Sandu said she would personally vote in favour of reunification if a referendum were held, while stressing that European integration remains Moldova’s immediate priority. Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan likewise said he would support union in a referendum, whereas President Nicușor Dan emphasised that any such decision ultimately depends on the democratic will of Moldova’s citizens.

Romania stands ready: President Dan reaffirms position on potential unification with Moldova

Sources: EUalive’s partner espress.ro

Caption: Moldova’s President Maia Sandu gestures before receiving the European Order of Merit during a ceremony to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the European unity, democracy or to the promotion and defence of European values at the European Parliament’s hemicycle in Strasbourg, France, 19 May 2026. The European Parliament established the first European distinction of its kind — the European Order of Merit — in 2025 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, with the inaugural ceremony taking place in 2026. EPA/SEBASTIEN BOZON