Video #CAPACITY4EU: The sovereignty of Moldova will be respected within the European Union

In recent months, amid elections in Romania and Poland, we have seen a rise in sovereigntist rhetoric in our region. Sovereigntist parties are calling for a reform of the EU decision-making process and for changes to key policies such as those related to the budget, defense, or cohesion.

These parties claim that Brussels “imposes” decisions on member states that go against their national interests. Under the slogan of  “Europe of sovereign nations,” they spread the idea that EU countries can no longer decide for themselves. This message, however, is false and manipulative.

In Moldova, this rhetoric has been adopted by former President Igor Dodon, leader of the Party of Socialists, who has even suggested renaming his party in the “Party of Sovereigntists.” He claims that EU support comes with political concessions—a baseless statement intended to fuel distrust in the EU.

“The reality is different: in the European Union, member states take decisions together. In key areas like foreign policy, security, budget, or enlargement, decisions are taken by unanimous vote. If a single state objects, the decision does not pass. This means that when Moldova becomes an EU member, its voice will carry the same weight as that of any other state”, says Mihai Mogîldea, Deputy Director, Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE).

Moreover, EU accession does not mean giving up sovereignty—it means strengthening it through equal participation in the decision-making process at the EU level. Member states retain veto power in essential areas, while also promoting their culture, language, and national identity. The EU does not impose top-down decisions, it operates based on consensus among sovereign and equal nations. In this way, Moldova’s sovereignty will be respected in the EU through the promotion of our heritage, values, and national interests.

“For Moldova, EU accession will mean access to better-paid jobs, improved public services, decent pensions, and a safer standard of living. Most importantly, Moldova will have a seat at the decision-making table alongside other European states. Being an EU member does not mean giving up who you are—it means strengthening your position through cooperation and respect. The country’s sovereignty does not disappear, it is exercised more effectively together with other democratic and sovereign European states” adds Mihai Mogîldea.

This video is part of the project  “#CAPACITY4EU – Civil Society for EU Integration” implemented by the Institut für Europäische Politik (IEP) based in Berlin, in partnership with the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE) and the Institute for Strategic Initiatives (IPIS). The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs under its civil society cooperation program.