From Chișinău to Yerevan: Moldova in the big conversation at the European Political Community Summit

Editorial by Daniel Vodă, Associate Expert at IPRE

Photo source: Igor Turcan

Yerevan today has become one of Europe’s political capitals. At first glance, the European Political Community Summit may look like yet another diplomatic gathering, with leaders, official photographs and carefully weighed statements. In reality, the stakes are higher.

Because place matters. Armenia, a country that for years was caught in heavy dependencies on Russia, is now widening its space for political, economic and security freedom. This is not an easy path. But it is a path showing that states located in complicated regions can seek greater sovereignty by moving closer to Europe.

The presence of the Republic of Moldova in Yerevan is important. Moldova, represented by Maia Sandu, comes with lessons: about energy pressure, cyberattacks, obscure financing, attempts to influence elections, and democratic resilience.

The image of Maia Sandu and the President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, travelling together to Yerevan also matters. Beyond the symbolism, the message is clear: the security of the Republic of Moldova and the security of Romania are increasingly difficult to separate. Both banks of the Prut are part of the same European conversation about the future, resilience and safety.

The EPC does not replace the enlargement of the European Union. Enlargement remains the EU’s most powerful geopolitical instrument. But the EPC creates the space where leaders can speak quickly and directly about the security of the continent.

And Europe does not end where Moscow’s fear begins. Europe is built wherever societies choose democracy, freedom and dignity.

In today’s world, those who do not clearly state their place at the table risk being overlooked. This should also be Maia Sandu’s message in Yerevan: Moldova asks Europe to see it as it truly is a country of people who want peace, safety, good roads, stable energy, jobs and the right to decide their own future. And Romania, standing with us, shows that we are not walking this road alone. We are walking it together with those who know us, understand us and recognise that a stronger Moldova means a safer Europe.