Competition in the Post-Soviet Space: Moldova Shifts Toward the EU

Moldovan President Signs Decrees Abolishing CIS Founding Agreement and Charter

Public Poll: Over 70% of Moldovans Support Energy Dialogue with Russia

Documents published by the Moldovan Official Gazette on April 8 indicate that President Maia Sandu signed two decrees approving the abolition of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States and its Protocol, as well as the abolition of the CIS Charter.

The Moldovan Parliament finalized passage of the draft law to abolish the CIS Agreement and the CIS Charter during a session on April 2.

Since 2022, Moldova has consistently been absent from CIS meetings. The Moldovan government has clearly stated its intention to redirect exports toward Western markets and claimed it must terminate a series of agreements with the CIS. President Sandu previously stated that the country will continue aligning its international legal framework with European standards and priorities for European integration. Opposition parties have criticized the government's policy of abrogating CIS agreements, warning it could jeopardize labor migration flows and economic ties.

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According to a survey conducted by IMAS Social Research Company in Moldova, the vast majority of Moldovans support direct dialogue with Russia to reduce energy prices.

According to the survey, 71% of respondents favored direct negotiations between Chisinau and Moscow regarding natural gas and petroleum product supplies. Additionally, 70% supported the idea of dialogue between the EU and Russia aimed at securing cheaper resources.

Furthermore, one-third of supporters of Moldova’s ruling party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), also backed the restoration of dialogue between Moldova and Russia. Among those advocating for negotiations with Moscow, one-quarter expressed hope that President Maia Sandu herself would take the initiative.

The survey was conducted between March 24 and April 6, 2026, with 1,111 respondents participating.

Since 2022, Moldova has experienced a severe energy crisis, with sharp increases in natural gas and electricity prices. Opposition figures have criticized the government for refusing pragmatic dialogue with Gazprom, arguing that this has contributed to rising poverty and record-high inflation levels within the country.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861949720830986/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author