But a 2025 poll from the International Republican Institute showed that nearly half of all Moldovans believe that the country is going in the right direction, the highest number in 20 years. Since the election of President Maia Sandu in 2020, Moldovans say they have experienced steadily declining corruption . Moldova also appears to be on track to join the European Union, in the process unlocking over 1 billion euros in economic aid.

Moldova, which is among Europe’s poorest nations, has battled through years of high-level corruption , oligarchic influence over politics, and a brief war with a breakaway republic, Transnistria, in the early 1990s.

Moldova, which is among Europe’s poorest nations, has battled through years of high-level corruption, oligarchic influence over politics, and a brief war with a breakaway republic, Transnistria, in the early 1990s.

But a 2025 poll from the International Republican Institute showed that nearly half of all Moldovans believe that the country is going in the right direction, the highest number in 20 years. Since the election of President Maia Sandu in 2020, Moldovans say they have experienced steadily declining corruption. Moldova also appears to be on track to join the European Union, in the process unlocking over 1 billion euros in economic aid.

Still, a host of problems remain—especially with Russia. Moldova accused Russia of attempting to interfere in a parliamentary election in September, an effort that ultimatel

📰

Continue Reading on Foreign Policy

This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.

Read Full Article →