EditRomania stands ready: President Dan reaffirms position on potential unification with Moldova
Recent polling data show that if a unification referendum is held, 33.4% Moldovan citizens would vote in favour, while 45.7% would vote against
Romanian President Nicușor Dan has reiterated on 29 April that Romania’s stance on a possible unification with the Moldova remains unchanged. Speaking at the conclusion of the Business Forum of the Three Seas Initiative in Dubrovnik, Dan emphasized that Bucharest continues to honor the political framework established in 2018, when the Romanian Parliament unanimously voted to support unification if the citizens of Moldova express such a desire through democratic means.
He stressed that no shifts have occurred in Romania’s position, underscoring respect for the sovereign aspirations of Moldova’s people.
His comment follows the recent statements from Moldovan President Maia Sandu that reignited public debate. In recent interviews, including with Le Monde and the British podcast The Rest is Politics, Sandu suggested that unification with Romania could accelerate Moldova’s accession to the European Union. She personally stated that, if a referendum were held, she would vote in favor, citing the difficulties a small country like Moldova faces in maintaining democracy and sovereignty amid Russian pressure. However, Sandu has consistently acknowledged that her personal view does not reflect a current majority position. Instead, she prioritises EU integration, which enjoys broader public support and was narrowly approved in a 2024 constitutional referendum.
Dan made clear that any unification process would require a referendum in Moldova and could only proceed with clear majority support from its citizens. “If there is a majority for this project, we are ready,” he stated, adding that Romania would respond favorably should Moldovans choose this path.
The final decision, he noted, rests entirely with the people of Moldova, and Bucharest will fully respect their democratic choice.
Historical ties and the path to modern statehood
The idea of unification draws on deep historical connections between the two countries. Part of present-day Moldova, known as Bessarabia, once formed a core region of the medieval Principality of Moldavia, which existed under Ottoman suzerainty. In 1812, following the Russo-Turkish War, the Russian Empire annexed the territory. It remained under Russian control until the collapse of the empire during World War I. In 1918, Bessarabia united with Romania, remaining part of the Romanian state until 1940, when the Soviet Union issued an ultimatum based on the secret Molotov-Ribbentrop pact, forcing Romania to cede the region. Bessarabia was then incorporated into the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, with portions transferred to the Ukrainian SSR. After the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the territory declared independence as the Republic of Moldova.
This shared yet turbulent history continues to shape discussions today. While cultural, linguistic, and familial bonds remain strong – many Moldovans hold Romanian citizenship and language is not a barrier, political realities, including Moldova’s multi-ethnic society and external influences, complicate any unification project.
Public opinion remains divided
Recent polling data highlights the challenges. According to the September 2025 Public Opinion Barometer conducted by the Institute for Public Policy, approximately 33.4% of respondents indicated they would vote for unification in a referendum, while 45.7% would vote against it. Another 16.7% were undecided, and 2.5% said they would not participate. The survey did not include residents of the pro-Russian separatist region of Transnistria or the substantial Moldovan diaspora, which could influence outcomes if fully represented. Support for EU accession remains higher, reflecting a pragmatic preference for integration without necessarily dissolving Moldovan statehood.
Dan’s remarks came in the context of broader European discussions. At a separate event following an informal European Council summit, he addressed the linkage between Moldova’s and Ukraine’s EU accession paths. He noted ongoing debates among EU leaders about whether to “couple” or “decouple” the two countries’ processes. Some argue that any progress strengthens the Union, while others emphasize that decoupling could undermine morale in Ukraine, which is actively defending European security on the battlefield. Dan highlighted that regional security ties the two candidacies together, while reaffirming Romania’s strong support for both nations’ European integration.
Reactions and political fallout in Moldova and Romania
Sandu’s statements provoked sharp responses in Moldova. The main opposition Party of Socialists (PSRM), led by former President Igor Dodon, accused her of treason and called for investigations, describing her comments as an attack on Moldovan statehood. The Communist Party similarly condemned the remarks as a violation of her presidential oath and an attempt to undermine national sovereignty. Critics portrayed unification as “liquidation” of the Republic of Moldova and warned of deepened social divisions.
In Romania, reactions were more measured but varied. Most political voices stressed that unification must reflect the genuine will of Moldovan citizens expressed democratically. Some cautioned against politicizing the issue, especially amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russian hybrid influence operations aimed at destabilizing the region.
Romania has long positioned itself as Moldova’s strongest advocate within the EU and NATO. Beyond symbolic support, Bucharest provides practical assistance in energy security, infrastructure, education, and administrative reforms. Dan’s reaffirmation aligns with this consistent policy: Romania stands prepared to deepen ties or even pursue unification if Moldovans choose it, but it will not impose any outcome.
Ultimately, the question of unification remains a sensitive and deeply democratic matter for the citizens of Moldova. While historical, cultural, and strategic arguments exist on both sides, current polling suggests significant hurdles to achieving the necessary majority. For now, both presidents appear aligned on the principle that the people must decide, with EU integration serving as the more immediate and broadly supported priority for Chisinau’s future security and prosperity.
As regional dynamics evolve, with Russian threats persisting and the EU enlargement process advancing, the conversation between Bucharest and Chisinau will likely continue.
Sources: Digi24, News.ro, BGNES, Moldpress, Radio Chișinău
Moldovan President makes headlines with comment on reunification with Romania
Caption: President of Moldova Maia Sandu (L) welcomes Romanian President Nicusor Dan (R) at the State Residence during his official visit in Chisinau, Moldova, 31 August 2025. President Dan’s visit is a show of solidarity and support during the Republic of Moldova’s National Language Day celebration. EPA/DUMITRU DORU
Updated: April 30, 2026 - 10:47
