Association
U.S. Funding Freeze Impacts Moldovan Civil Society
The U.S. government freeze on foreign aid at the start of 2025 has had an impact on Moldovan civil society and other projects, as the country received significant funding for development cooperation from the U.S. To date, a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have announced that they will no longer be able to serve their beneficiaries. Several civil society organisations and media have also announced that they will need to restrict their activities due to the lack of financing. In another negative development, several Moldovan politicians have spoken out in the wake of the freeze on foreign aid, accusing recipients of U.S. development aid of non-transparency and of promoting foreign interests.
CSO Meter Report for 2024 for the Republic of Moldova
In January 2025, the Moldovan CSO Promo-LEX Association published the final version of its CSO Meter report for 2024. The report examined the situation for civil society within the political and social context in the country. Key issues that affected civil society in 2024 included ongoing negotiations for EU accession, the end of the state of emergency imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and two elections — the presidential election and the referendum on EU membership.
The end of the state of emergency lifted restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly. However, new mechanisms were introduced allowing authorities to restrict access to public spaces for media and civil society organisations accused of spreading disinformation.
In a positive development, the start of negotiations on EU accession in June 2024 allowed NGOs to become more involved in debates on public policy proposals and to provide solutions and recommendations. Civil society is now mentioned as a partner for stakeholders in the accession process.
Peaceful Assembly
Energy Crisis Sparks Protests in Transnistria
From 1st January 2025, natural gas transit from Russia to Moldova through Ukraine was suspended. The authorities in Chișinău stated that, despite attempts to communicate with the de facto authorities in Tiraspol, Transnistria, the energy crisis in the region could not be averted.
The separatist authorities, supported by Moscow, organised a protest on 24th January 2025 to pressure the government in Chișinău. Residents of Transnistria carried Russian Federation flags and accused Chișinău of blocking gas supplies to the region. The central authorities rejected these accusations, insisting that only the separatist regime in Tiraspol and Russia bear responsibility for the crisis on the left bank of the Dniester river. At a press conference, Moldovan Minister of Reintegration Oleg Serebrean gave more details about communication with the de facto authorities in Transnistria, and argued that the crisis could not have been avoided, even though, according to him, several solutions had been proposed.
At the end of January 2025, the EU offered financial support to help Moldova overcome the energy crisis, with a significant portion allocated to Transnistria. However, the separatist authorities rejected this aid, opting instead for a Russian loan. This decision has significant implications for the region's political and economic future, as it further solidifies the separatist regime’s ties with Moscow.
Railway Workers’ Protest in Moldova
On 11th February 2025, employees of several branches of the state-owned railway operator Calea Ferata din Moldova organised a protest to demand better salaries and working conditions. The company has faced financial problems for some time, but this time employees from 31 branches had not received their salaries for six months. In addition to payment of outstanding wages, the railway workers demanded the recovery of arrears and an increase in the minimum wage.
Radio Chișinău reported that the company’s situation worsened after August 2022, when rail transit from Ukraine decreased drastically, leading to reduced revenues and salary delays.
Anti-government protests
On 22nd February 2025, members and supporters of Moldova’s Socialist Party (PSRM) held a protest in Chișinău demanding early presidential elections alongside the expected parliamentary vote later in 2025. The demonstrators called for the resignation of President Maia Sandu, who secured a second term in November 2024 by defeating Socialist candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo. PSRM leader Igor Dodon, who rejects Sandu’s victory, led the protest and hinted at further demonstrations. The protest occurred amid rising energy prices and geopolitical tension following a shift in the U.S. stance on Ukraine under President Trump. Meanwhile, Stoianoglo has distanced himself from the PSRM post-election and joined a pro-EU coalition. Government representatives dismissed the protest, arguing that current reforms aim to repair the damage caused by previous government administrations.
Expression
New Proposal to Regulate the Information Space
The Republic of Moldova is preparing to approve new proposals to regulate the information space. The EU accession process requires adjustments to the legal framework on press freedom, aligning national legislation with European standards and directives.
Among the priorities are a new law on mass media and an updated Code of Audiovisual Media Services. Moldovan experts have also proposed a wider debate on regulating the activities of online influencers. The latest proposals were discussed by experts, civil society representatives, and authorities at the Mass Media Forum in December 2024. The provisions of a new Code of Ethics for Journalists were also debated during the event. The final version of the Code was published in January 2025, following its approval in December 2024. The Press Council is the national authority responsible for monitoring implementation.
Attack on journalist in Gagauzia
On 12th February 2025, a journalist for the publication CU SENS, Malvina Cojocari, was reportedly assaulted by several supporters of Evghenia Guțul, Bashkan of the Autonomous Region of Gagauzia. They verbally abused the reporter, shoved her, and tried to forcibly take her notes. The Independent Press Association (API) and media outlets condemned the attack and called on law enforcement to investigate, sanction the aggressors, and ensure journalists’ safety while carrying out their work. According to API, law enforcement officers were nearby during the attack but failed to intervene.