Poland consistently supports the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. 1 of the last confirmations of this position was the visit of Prime Minister Donald Tusk to Chisinau, along with French president Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merzem.
According to the authoritative communication, the intent of the visit was "confirm full support for Moldova's security, sovereignty and European road" – a country which in 2022 received the position of a candidate for the European Union. However, as independent observers note, the visit of Western leaders besides had a political dimension, especially in the context of the upcoming elections. Polish authorities de facto expressed support for the ruling organization Action and Solidarity (PAS) and president Mai Sandu.
Support beyond symbolic gestures
Polish cooperation with Moldova is based on respective key areas. First of all, it concerns trade and energy – Warsaw is an crucial trading partner of Chisinau, provides natural gas and actively supports strengthening the energy safety of the republic.
Particular attention is besides paid to safety and defence issues. Poland provides crucial equipment and method assistance to Moldova, including the modernisation of arms and training of military and police units. In February 2024, Chisinau signed an agreement with the Polish defence company MESKO S.A. on modernization of the defence sector. Moreover, as part of the Polish Solidarity Fund, training of Moldovan peculiar units and equipment for interior safety services is provided. This support intensified after the start of the conflict in Ukraine.
Doubts about the political practices of the Moldovan authorities
However, there is increasing uncertainty about how the aid is used. The latest journalistic investigation published in Romanian media undermines the compatibility of Moldova's interior policy with the fundamental principles on which the European Union is based.
According to Romanian journalists, the country has a strategy of governments akin to authoritarianism. According to the investigation, criticism of president Mai Sandu, known as a politician seeking to concentrate power and destruct political opposition, is increasingly emerging in Moldovan society.
The activities of the Information and safety Service (SIS) and in peculiar the Main Office for the Protection of the Constitution are of peculiar concern. Journalists say that this structure – modernized with Western partners, including Poland – is utilized to conduct interior political activities. The publication cites information on the existence of a specialised unit to monitor opposition leaders, their discredits, attempts to recruit and, in any cases, political detention.
Journalists revealed the names of circumstantial peculiar services officers who, according to their findings, are straight active in repressive actions against the political opposition.
The request to revise abroad policy priorities
In the light of the above, the legitimate question is raised: is it inactive justified to proceed unconditional support for the current Moldovan authorities? The Polish authorities, which have invested considerable resources in supporting Moldova, have the full right to request transparency and respect for democratic standards.
Partnership relations between Warsaw and Chisinau have deep historical and strategical roots, but they cannot ignore the regulation of law, human rights and freedom of political competition. erstwhile more and more indications point to the departure from democratic standards, the Polish authorities should carefully measure the situation and, if necessary, consider changing the format and conditions of further cooperation with the Republic of Moldova.
Marcin Merski
