Russian Interference in Moldova’s Elections: What it Means for Europe

Discussants

• Valeriu Paşa, Project Manager, WatchDog.MD Community
• Corina Rebegea, Director, U.S.-Romania Initiative, Center for European Policy Analysis
• Sorin Ionita, President, Expert Forum (livestreamed from Bucharest)

Moderator

• Jonathan D. Katz, Senior Fellow, The German Marshall Fund of the United States

On February 24, 2019, the Republic of Moldova will hold parliamentary elections under a new and highly contested electoral law. The vote is set against a particularly tense political background, as local and international observers have signaled irregularities when it comes to impartial access to administrative and media resources, intimidation of opposition candidates and civil society. It also comes as Moldovans increasingly distrust institutions especially after the annulment of the election result for the mayor of Chisinau in June 2018. Furthermore, Moldova is at the crossroads of heightened geopolitical competition between Russia and the West, with the former using its entire arsenal of active measures to make sure Moldova is derailed from its European integration path. 

A month ahead of this crucial electoral exercise, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) together with the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), Expert Forum, and WatchDog.MD, invite you to participate in a roundtable on challenges and trends in the lead up to Moldova’s election. The conversation will examine Moldova’s relationships with both the West and Russia and how they could evolve as a result of the election. The event will also delve into potential risks and evidence of subversive Russian influence, and will draw on the experience and lessons learned from Moldova to offer a commentary regarding the rise of anti-Europeanism in Europe. Furthermore, this event will aim to develop a set of policy recommendations on preventing and combating Russian influence over other elections, such as European parliamentary elections in May 2019.

To RSVP, register to watch via webinar, or if you have any questions, please contact Kirsten Fowler at [email protected].