Moldova: Background and U.S. Policy
Abstract
Although a small country, Moldova has been of interest to U.S. policy makers due to its position between NATO and European Union (EU) member Romania and strategic Ukraine. In addition, some experts have expressed concern about alleged Russian efforts to extend its hegemony over Moldova through various methods, including a troop presence, manipulation of Moldova's relationship with its breakaway Transnistria region, and energy supplies and other trading links. Moldova's political and economic weakness has made it a source of organized criminal activity of concern to U.S. policy makers, including trafficking in persons and weapons. On April 5, 2009, Moldova held parliamentary elections. The Communist Party of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM) won just under 50% of the vote and 60 seats in the 101-seat parliament. The Communist victory sparked demonstrations. Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin denounced the protests as an attempted coup d'etat and vowed to put down any further riots with force, if necessary. He claimed that Romania instigated the riots, pointing to the Romanian flags some protestors displayed at the demonstrations. Moldova is Europe's poorest country. Living standards are low for the great majority of Moldovans, particularly in rural areas. As a self-declared neutral country, Moldova does not seek NATO membership, but participates in NATO's Partnership for Peace (PFP) program. Moldova currently has a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union (EU). Moldova hopes to become a candidate for EU membership, although the EU is unlikely to accept Moldova as a candidate in the foreseeable future, due to Moldova's poverty and the EU's own internal challenges. The United States and Moldova have enjoyed good relations since the country's independence in 1991, although the United States reacted cautiously to the outcome of the April 2009 election.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA500384
Entities
People
- Steven Woehrel
Organizations
- Library of Congress