Editing Moldova (section)

==Politics==
{{main|Government of Moldova}}
[[File:Parliament Building in Chișinău.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Moldovan Parliament]]]]
The Republic of Moldova is a [[Republic|constitutional republic]] with a [[Unicameralism|unicameral]] [[parliamentary system]] of government and competitive, [[Multi-party system|multi-party elections]]. The constitution provides for executive and [[Legislature|legislative]] branches as well as an independent [[judiciary]] and a clear [[separation of powers]]. The [[President of Moldova|president]] serves as the [[head of state]], is elected every four years, and can be re-elected once. The [[Prime Minister of Moldova|prime minister]] serves as the [[head of government]], appointed by the president with [[Parliament of Moldova|parliament]]'s support. The head of government in turn assembles a [[Cabinet of Moldova|cabinet]], subject to parliamentary approval. Legislative authority is vested in the unicameral [[Parliament of Moldova]] which has 101 seats and whose members are elected by popular vote on [[party lists]] every four years. The president's official residence is the [[Presidential Palace, Chișinău]].

After the prime minister and government resigned in 2020 and the president and parliament failed to form a new government, early parliamentary elections were held in July 2021. According to [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]] observers, the [[2021 Moldovan parliamentary election|2021 parliamentary elections]] were well-administered and competitive, and [[Fundamental rights|fundamental freedoms]] were largely respected.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 December 2021 |title=Moldova early parliamentary elections 2021: OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission final report |url=https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/508976 |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=[[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802094707/https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/508976 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Party of Action and Solidarity]] won 63 seats in the 101-seat parliament, enough to form a single-party majority.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Moldova |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/moldova/ |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=[[United States Department of State]] |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601190113/https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/moldova/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

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| caption1          = [[Maia Sandu]], Moldova's [[President of Moldova|President]] since December 2020.
| caption2          = [[Dorin Recean]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of Moldova|Prime Minister]]<br />Since 2023</small>
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The 1994 [[Constitution of Moldova (1994)|Constitution of Moldova]] sets the framework for the government of the country. A parliamentary majority of at least two-thirds is required to amend the [[Constitution of Moldova]], which cannot be revised in times of war or national emergency. Amendments to the Constitution affecting the state's sovereignty, independence, or unity can only be made after a majority of voters support the proposal in a referendum. Furthermore, no revision can be made to limit the fundamental rights of people enumerated in the Constitution.<ref name="const2">{{cite web |title=The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, 2000 |url=http://www.e-democracy.md/en/legislation/constitution/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425182448/http://www.e-democracy.md/en/legislation/constitution/ |archive-date=25 April 2020 |access-date=9 October 2013 |publisher=E-democracy.md}}</ref> The 1994 constitution also establishes an [[Judicial independence|independent]] [[Constitutional Court of Moldova|Constitutional Court]], composed of six judges (two appointed by the President, two by Parliament, and two by the Supreme Council of [[Magistrate|Magistrature]]), serving six-year terms, during which they are irremovable and not subordinate to any power. The court is invested with the power of [[judicial review]] over all [[Act of Parliament|acts of parliament]], over [[presidential decree]]s, and over [[Treaty|international treaties]] signed by the country.<ref name="const2" />

The head of state is the President of Moldova, who between 2001 and 2015 was elected by the Moldovan Parliament, requiring the support of three-fifths of the deputies (at least 61 votes). This system was designed to decrease executive authority in favour of the legislature. Nevertheless, the [[Constitutional Court of Moldova|Constitutional Court]] ruled on 4 March 2016 that this constitutional change adopted in 2000 regarding the presidential election was unconstitutional, thus reverting the election method of the president to a [[two-round system]] [[direct election]].<ref>{{cite news |date=4 March 2016 |title=DECIS: Şeful statului va fi ales de popor; Modificarea din 2000 a Constituţiei privind alegerea preşedintelui de Parlament, NECONSTITUŢIONALĂ |language=ro |trans-title=DECIDED: The president will be elected by the people; The 2000 amendment of the Constitution concerning the election of the President by Parliament unconstitutional |newspaper=[[Jurnalul Național]] |url=http://jurnal.md/ro/justitie/2016/3/4/decis-seful-statului-va-fi-ales-de-popor-modificarea-din-2000-a-constitutiei-privind-alegerea-presedintelui-de-parlament-neconstitutionala/ |url-status=live |access-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225044414/https://www.jurnal.md/ro/justitie/2016/3/4/decis-seful-statului-va-fi-ales-de-popor-modificarea-din-2000-a-constitutiei-privind-alegerea-presedintelui-de-parlament-neconstitutionala/ |archive-date=25 February 2021}}</ref>

===Foreign relations===
{{main|Foreign relations of Moldova|Moldovan neutrality|Moldova–European Union relations}}
After achieving independence from the Soviet Union, Moldova's foreign policy was designed with a view to establishing relations with other European countries, neutrality, and European Union integration. In May 1995, the country signed the [[CIS Interparliamentary Assembly]] Convention to become a member and was also admitted in July 1995 to the [[Council of Europe]].

Moldova became a member state of the United Nations the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe]] (OSCE), the [[North Atlantic Cooperation Council]], the [[World Bank]], the [[International Monetary Fund]] and the [[European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]] in 1992. 1994 saw Moldova become a participant in [[NATO]]'s [[Partnership for Peace]] programme. Moldova joined the [[Organisation internationale de la Francophonie|Francophonie]]  in 1996, the [[World Trade Organization]] in 2001, and the [[International Criminal Court]] in 2002.

In 2005, Moldova and the European Union established an action plan that sought to improve cooperation between Moldova and the union. At the end of 2005, the [[European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine]] (EUBAM) was established at the joint request of the presidents of Moldova and Ukraine. EUBAM assists the Moldovan and Ukrainian governments in approximating their border and customs procedures to EU standards and offers support in both countries' fight against cross-border crime.

After the 1990–1992 [[War of Transnistria]], Moldova sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Transnistria region by working with Romania, Ukraine, and Russia, calling for international mediation, and co-operating with the OSCE and UN fact-finding and observer missions. The [[foreign minister of Moldova]], [[Andrei Stratan]], repeatedly stated that the Russian troops stationed in the breakaway region were there against the will of the Moldovan government and called on them to leave "completely and unconditionally".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.easybourse.com/bourse-actualite/marches/moldova-calls-on-russian-troops-to-leave-transdniestr-574221|title=Moldova Calls on Russian Troops To Leave Transdniestr}}{{Dead link|date=March 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2012, a [[2012 Moldova security zone incident|security zone incident]] resulted in the death of a civilian, raising tensions with Russia.<ref>{{cite news |first=Ellen |last=Barry |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/world/europe/shooting-raises-tensions-between-moldova-and-russia.html |title=Shooting at Checkpoint Raises Tensions in a Disputed Region Claimed by Moldova |work=The New York Times |date=3 January 2012 |access-date=2 September 2015 |archive-date=4 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104091047/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/world/europe/shooting-raises-tensions-between-moldova-and-russia.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Batumi International Conference, on 19 July 2021 05 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|President of Georgia [[Salome Zourabichvili]], President of Moldova [[Maia Sandu]], President of Ukraine [[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]] and [[President of the European Council]] [[Charles Michel]] during the 2021 [[Batumi]] International Conference. In 2014, the EU signed [[European Union Association Agreement|Association Agreements]] with the three states]]

In September 2010, the [[European Parliament]] approved a grant of €90 million to Moldova.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?language=en&type=IM-PRESS&reference=20100907IPR81460 |title=EU to grant €90 million to crisis-hit Moldova |publisher=Europarl.europa.eu |date=7 September 2010 |access-date=9 October 2013 |archive-date=26 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526045325/http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?language=en&type=IM-PRESS&reference=20100907IPR81460 |url-status=live }}</ref> The money was to supplement US$570 million in International Monetary Fund loans,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100130/157721106.html |title=Moldova to get $570 million in IMF loans |publisher=RIA Novosti|date=30 January 2010 |access-date=25 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019012333/http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100130/157721106.html |archive-date=19 October 2012}}</ref> World Bank and other bilateral support already granted to Moldova. In April 2010, Romania offered Moldova development aid worth of €100 million while the number of scholarships for Moldovan students doubled to 5,000.<ref>{{cite web |author=Chiriac |first=Marian |date=27 April 2010 |title=Romania, Moldova to Boost Relations |url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/romania-moldova-to-boost-relations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728223227/http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/romania-moldova-to-boost-relations |archive-date=28 July 2013 |access-date=9 October 2013 |publisher=[[Balkan Insight]]}}</ref> According to a lending agreement signed in February 2010, Poland provided US$15 million as a component of its support for Moldova in its European integration efforts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.azi.md/en/story/9504 |title=Poland will support Moldova in its European integration efforts |publisher=Moldova Azi |access-date=9 October 2013 |archive-date=27 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827015717/http://www.azi.md/en/story/9504 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The first joint meeting of the Governments of Romania and Moldova, held in March 2012, concluded with several bilateral agreements in various fields.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agerpres.ro/news-of-the-day/2012/03/04/first-meeting-of-romania-and-rep-of-moldova-governments-concluded-with-initialling-of-several-bilateral-agreements-13-27-18 |title=First meeting of Romania and Rep. of Moldova Governments, concluded with initialling of several bilateral agreements |publisher=agerpres.ro |date=4 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407072652/http://www.agerpres.ro/news-of-the-day/2012/03/04/first-meeting-of-romania-and-rep-of-moldova-governments-concluded-with-initialling-of-several-bilateral-agreements-13-27-18 |archive-date=7 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.ro/joint-meeting-of-the-government-of-romania-and-government-of-the-republic-of-moldova__l2a116286.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208113857/http://www.gov.ro/joint-meeting-of-the-government-of-romania-and-government-of-the-republic-of-moldova__l2a116286.html |archive-date=8 February 2013 |title=Joint meeting of the Government of Romania and Government of the Republic of Moldova |language=ro |publisher=Guvernul Romaniei |access-date=9 October 2013}}</ref> The European orientation "has been the policy of Moldova in recent years and this is the policy that must continue," [[Nicolae Timofti]] told lawmakers before [[Moldovan presidential election, 2011–2012|his election in 2012]].<ref>[[The Washington Post]], [http://thevotingnews.com/moldova-elects-pro-european-judge-timofti-as-president-ending-3-years-of-political-deadlock-the-washington-post/ Moldova elected pro-European judge Timofti as president, ending 3 years of political deadlock] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904002008/http://thevotingnews.com/moldova-elects-pro-european-judge-timofti-as-president-ending-3-years-of-political-deadlock-the-washington-post/ |date=4 September 2015 }}</ref>{{full citation needed|date=December 2022}}

On 29 November 2013, at a summit in [[Vilnius]], Moldova signed an [[European Union Association Agreement|association agreement]] with the European Union dedicated to the European Union's '[[Eastern Partnership]]' with ex-Soviet countries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eeas.europa.eu/moldova/assoagreement/assoagreement-2013_en.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207232619/http://www.eeas.europa.eu/moldova/assoagreement/assoagreement-2013_en.htm |archive-date=7 December 2013 |title=EU-Moldova Association Agreement |work=European Union External Action}}</ref> The ex-Romanian President [[Traian Băsescu]] stated that Romania will make all efforts for Moldova to join the EU as soon as possible. Likewise, Traian Băsescu declared that the [[unification of Moldova and Romania]] is the next national project for Romania, as more than 75% of the population speaks Romanian.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.romanialibera.ro/politica/institutii/basescu--urmatorul-proiect-de-tara-al-romaniei--unirea-cu-basarabia-319094 |title=Băsescu: Următorul proiect de țară al României, unirea cu Basarabia |newspaper=România Liberă |date=27 November 2013 |access-date=2 September 2015 |archive-date=4 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904002008/http://www.romanialibera.ro/politica/institutii/basescu--urmatorul-proiect-de-tara-al-romaniei--unirea-cu-basarabia-319094 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Russia====
{{main |Moldova–Russia relations}}
A document written in 2021 by the Russia's FSB's Directorate for Cross-Border Cooperation, titled "Strategic objectives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova" sets out a 10-year plan to destabilise Moldova, using [[energy blackmail]], and political/elite sources in Moldova that are favourable to Russia and the Orthodox Church. Russia denies any such plan.<ref name="cnn163">{{cite web |title=Secret document reveals Russia's 10-year plan to destabilize Moldova |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/16/europe/russia-moldova-secret-document-intl-cmd/index.html |date=16 March 2023|publisher=[[CNN]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912123518/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/16/europe/russia-moldova-secret-document-intl-cmd/index.html|archive-date=12 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=How Russia Torpedoed Its Own Influence in Moldova|url=https://carnegieendowment.org/russia-eurasia/politika/2023/05/how-russia-torpedoed-its-own-influence-in-moldova?lang=en|date=11 March 2023|publisher=[[Carnegie Endowment for International Peace]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921170846/https://carnegieendowment.org/politika/89731|archive-date=21 September 2023}}</ref>

Religious leaders play a role in shaping foreign policy. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian Government has frequently used its connections with the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] to block and stymie the integration of former Soviet states like Moldova into the West.<ref>Andrew Higgins, "In Expanding Russian Influence, Faith Combines With Firepower," [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/14/world/europe/russia-orthodox-church.html ''The New York Times'', 13 September 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110031305/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/14/world/europe/russia-orthodox-church.html |date=10 November 2019 }}</ref>

In February 2023, Russia canceled a 2012 decree underpinning Moldova's sovereignty.<ref name="cnn163"/> In May 2023, the Moldovan government announced the immediate suspension of its participation in the  Commonwealth of Independent States and its intentions to ultimately withdraw from the organisation entirely.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scotto di Santolo |first=Alessandra |date=15 May 2023 |title=Major blow for Putin as Moldova withdraws from Russia-led alliance |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1770254/putin-blow-maldova-cis-asembly-russia |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=[[The Daily Express]] |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162327/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1770254/putin-blow-maldova-cis-asembly-russia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Popusoi |first=Cristina |date=18 May 2023 |title=Moldova Is Distancing Itself From The CIS, But Leaving Might Not Be So Easy |language=en |work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-leaving-cis-russia/32417644.html |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162045/https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-leaving-cis-russia/32417644.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Goble |first=Paul |date=10 November 2022 |title=Moscow Working to Block Moldova from Leaving CIS |language=en-US |work=[[The Jamestown Foundation]] |url=https://jamestown.org/program/moscow-working-to-block-moldova-from-leaving-cis/ |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162704/https://jamestown.org/program/moscow-working-to-block-moldova-from-leaving-cis/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2023, Moldova passed a legislation removing it from membership in the [[CIS Interparliamentary Assembly]].<ref>{{cite web |title=PARLIAMENT ADOPTS IN FINAL READING LAW ON MOLDOVA'S WITHDRAWAL FROM CIS INTERPARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY |url=https://www.infotag.md/politics-en/309245/ |date=20 July 2023 |access-date=8 March 2024 |archive-date=29 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129113439/http://www.infotag.md/politics-en/309245/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 25 July 2023, the Moldovan government summoned the Russian ambassador Oleg Vasnetsov to Moldova after media reports of alleged spying devices on the rooftop of their embassy in Chişinău.<ref>{{Cite web |last2=Pokharel |first1=Josh |last1=Pennington |first2=Sugam |date=25 July 2023 |title=Moldova summons Russian ambassador after media reporting on alleged spy devices on embassy's rooftop |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/europe/moldova-spying-allegations-intl/index.html |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801045016/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/25/europe/moldova-spying-allegations-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 July 2023 |title=Moldova expels 45 Russian diplomatic staff in spy row |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC News]] |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66320894 |access-date=1 August 2023 |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731183634/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66320894 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 July 2023, the Moldovan government expelled 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff due to "hostile actions" intended to destabilise the Republic of Moldova, according to Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennetts |first=Marc |date=1 August 2023 |title=Moldova expels 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff |language=en |work=[[The Times]] |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/moldova-expels-russian-diplomats-embassy-staff-5hjf56qjk |access-date=1 August 2023 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801100849/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/moldova-expels-russian-diplomats-embassy-staff-5hjf56qjk |url-status=live }}</ref> On 30 July, the Russian embassy announced that it would suspend consular appointments "for technical reasons".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanas |first=Alexander |date=30 July 2023 |title=Russian embassy in Moldova to suspend consular appointments |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-embassy-moldova-suspend-consular-appointments-2023-07-30/ |access-date=1 August 2023 |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731211517/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-embassy-moldova-suspend-consular-appointments-2023-07-30/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Moldovan [[Security and Intelligence Service of Moldova|Security and Intelligence Service]] (SIS) also ended all partnership agreements with Russia's [[Federal Security Service|FSB]] after sending official notifications to the authorities in Moscow.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Necșuțu |first=Mădălin |date=1 August 2023 |title=Moldovan Secret Services Cancel Agreements with Russian Intelligence |work=[[Balkan Insight]] |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/08/01/moldovan-secret-services-cancel-agreements-with-russian-intelligence/ |access-date=2 August 2023 |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801154944/https://balkaninsight.com/2023/08/01/moldovan-secret-services-cancel-agreements-with-russian-intelligence/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== European Union Accession ====
{{main |Accession of Moldova to the European Union}}
[[File:European Union Moldova Locator.svg|thumb|In June 2022, Moldova became a recognised candidate for membership of the [[European Union]]|left]]

Moldova has set 2030 as the target date for EU Accession.<ref>{{cite web |title=Moldova sets 2030 as EU accession target at massive pro-EU rally in Chisinau |url=https://www.romania-insider.com/moldova-rally-eu-accession-may-2023 |date=22 May 2023 |access-date=8 March 2024 |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208090113/https://www.romania-insider.com/moldova-rally-eu-accession-may-2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Moldova signed the Association Agreement with the European Union in [[Brussels]] on 27 June 2014. The signing came after the accord was drafted in Vilnius in November 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2014/270614_association_agreement_en.htm|title=European Union – EEAS (European External Action Service) – EU forges closer ties with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova|website=Eeas.europa.eu|access-date=27 June 2014|archive-date=6 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706211949/http://eeas.europa.eu/top_stories/2014/270614_association_agreement_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-14-511_en.htm|title=European Commission – PRESS RELEASES – Press release – Remarks by President Barroso at the signing of the Association Agreements with Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine|website=Europa.eu|access-date=27 June 2014|archive-date=30 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630041046/http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-14-511_en.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Moldova signed the membership application to join the EU on 3 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tanas |first=Alexander |date=3 March 2022 |title=With war on its doorstep, Moldova applies for EU membership |website=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldovan-president-says-moldova-applies-eu-membership-2022-03-03/ |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-date=25 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625000916/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldovan-president-says-moldova-applies-eu-membership-2022-03-03/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 23 June 2022, Moldova was officially granted [[Potential enlargement of the European Union|candidate status]] by EU leaders.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/eu-leaders-grant-candidate-status-to-ukraine-and-moldova/ |title=EU leaders grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova |last=Brzozowski |first=Alexandra |date=23 June 2022 |website=euractiv.com |publisher=[[Euractiv]] |access-date=24 June 2022 |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623214851/https://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/eu-leaders-grant-candidate-status-to-ukraine-and-moldova |url-status=live }}</ref> The United Nations Development Programme is also providing assistance to Moldova in implementing the necessary reforms for full accession by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNDP to support the Republic of Moldova to implement key reforms on its EU accession path {{!}} United Nations Development Programme |url=https://www.undp.org/moldova/press-releases/undp-support-republic-moldova-implement-key-reforms-its-eu-accession-path |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=UNDP |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802164623/https://www.undp.org/moldova/press-releases/undp-support-republic-moldova-implement-key-reforms-its-eu-accession-path |url-status=live }}</ref> The European Union's [[High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy]] [[Josep Borrell]] has confirmed that the pathway to accession does not depend upon a resolution of the [[Transnistria conflict]].<ref name="RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty">{{Cite news |date=1 June 2023 |title=Moldova's EU Path Independent Of Transdniester Developments, Says Borrell |language=en |work=[[RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty]] |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-eu-path-transdniester-borrell/32438431.html |access-date=2 August 2023 |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802165031/https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-eu-path-transdniester-borrell/32438431.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 27 June, Moldova signed a comprehensive free trade agreement with the [[European Free Trade Association]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 2023 |title=EFTA and Moldova sign a Free Trade Agreement {{!}} European Free Trade Association |url=https://www.efta.int/Free-Trade/news/EFTA-and-Moldova-sign-Free-Trade-Agreement-536291#:~:text=At%20the%20meeting,%20the%20EFTA,investment%20between%20the%20two%20sides. |access-date=5 July 2023 |website=[[European Free Trade Association]] |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705130004/https://www.efta.int/Free-Trade/news/EFTA-and-Moldova-sign-Free-Trade-Agreement-536291#:~:text=At%20the%20meeting,%20the%20EFTA,investment%20between%20the%20two%20sides. |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 June 2023, the European Union announced a €1.6 billion support and investment programme for Moldova, as well as confirming reductions in the price of mobile data and voice roaming charges in Moldova by European and Moldovan telecoms operators, as well as Moldova joining the EU's joint gas purchase platform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2023 |title=The EU presents a Support Package for the Republic of Moldova |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=[[European Commission]] |language=en |archive-date=21 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621200951/https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Formal accession talks began on 13 December 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=EU greenlights accession talks with Ukraine but Orbán vetoes €50-billion aid package |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/12/14/eu-greenlights-accession-talks-with-ukraine-and-moldova |access-date=14 December 2023 |website=[[Euronews]] |date=14 December 2023 |language=en |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214175059/https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/12/14/eu-greenlights-accession-talks-with-ukraine-and-moldova |url-status=live }}</ref> A referendum on joining the EU is planned for autumn 2024, there will be no voting stations in Transnistria, however residents there will be free to travel into other areas of Moldova to vote, should they wish to.<ref>{{cite web |title=Moldova will hold referendum on EU membership without Transnistria: Sandu |url=https://www.1lurer.am/en/2023/12/29/Moldova-will-hold-referendum-on-EU-membership-without-Transnistria-Sandhu/1054506 |date=29 December 2023 |access-date=8 March 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104013438/https://www.1lurer.am/en/2023/12/29/Moldova-will-hold-referendum-on-EU-membership-without-Transnistria-Sandhu/1054506 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In Moldova's referendum on joining the EU, a narrow 50.17% voted "yes," with Maia Sandu alleging "unprecedented" outside interference. Sandu received 42% in the simultaneous presidential election, while her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo, garnered 26%, leading to a run-off on 3 November 2024. The referendum was seen as a test of Moldova's commitment to EU integration, amid claims of vote manipulation by criminal groups.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Balmforth |first1=Tom |last2=Tanas |first2=Alexander |title=Moldova's EU referendum in tight finish; Sandu decries vote meddling |date=21 October 2024 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldovas-eu-referendum-goes-wire-after-sandu-decries-vote-meddling-2024-10-21/ |website=Reuters |access-date=21 October 2024}}</ref>

===Security===
The European Union created a [[European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova|Partnership Mission in Moldova]] through its [[Common Security and Defence Policy]] on 24 April 2023. The mission seeks to support the government of Moldova in countering hybrid threats the country faces as a result of the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://censor.net/en/news/3407322/eu_is_preparing_mission_to_moldova_to_make_it_more_resistant_to_hybrid_threats_borrell | title=EU is preparing mission to Moldova to make it more resistant to hybrid threats, – Borrell | date=22 March 2023 | access-date=8 March 2024 | archive-date=19 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919235056/https://censor.net/en/news/3407322/eu_is_preparing_mission_to_moldova_to_make_it_more_resistant_to_hybrid_threats_borrell | url-status=live }}</ref>

A memorandum dated 29 March 2023 stated that the mission aims at "enhancing the resilience of Moldova's security sector in the area of crisis management as well as enhancing resilience to hybrid threats, including cybersecurity, and countering foreign information manipulation and interference".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swaton |first=Chiara |date=8 June 2023 |title=Austria sends police officers, soldiers to EU Moldova mission |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/austria-sends-police-officers-soldiers-to-eu-moldova-mission/ |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=[[Euractiv]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615060906/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/austria-sends-police-officers-soldiers-to-eu-moldova-mission/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The initial mandate of the mission is expected to be for two years and it will be made up of up to 40 police and customs officers and judicial officials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rettman |first=Andrew |date=31 March 2023 |title=EU sending anti-coup mission to Moldova in May |url=https://euobserver.com/world/156884 |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=[[EUobserver]] |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604204657/https://euobserver.com/world/156884 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="thebriefing.eu">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thebriefing.eu/welt-eu-to-send-mission-to-moldova-to-consult-on-countrys-security/ |title=Welt: EU to Send Mission to Moldova to Consult on Country's Security – the Briefing |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=5 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405061021/https://www.thebriefing.eu/welt-eu-to-send-mission-to-moldova-to-consult-on-countrys-security/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=25 April 2023 |title=EU members look to support Moldova, send muntions to Ukraine to offset Russian expansionism |url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20230425-eu-members-look-to-support-moldova-send-muntions-to-ukraine-to-offset-russian-expansionism |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=[[Radio France Internationale]] |archive-date=21 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621175042/https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20230425-eu-members-look-to-support-moldova-send-muntions-to-ukraine-to-offset-russian-expansionism |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Estonia]], [[Latvia]], [[Lithuania]], Germany, [[Poland]], Sweden, the [[Czech Republic]], [[Portugal]], [[Romania]], and [[Denmark]] have all voiced support for the mission.<ref name="thebriefing.eu"/>

On 2 February 2023 Moldova passed a law introducing criminal penalties for [[separatism]], including prison terms. The law continues with penalties for financing and inciting separatism, plotting against Moldova, and collecting and stealing information that could harm the country's sovereignty, independence and integrity.<ref>{{cite web |last=Necșuțu |first=Mădălin |date=8 February 2023 |title=Moldova 'Separatism Law' Sparks Tensions With Breakaway Transnistria |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2023/02/08/moldova-separatism-law-sparks-tensions-with-breakaway-transnistria/ |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=[[Balkan Insight]] |archive-date=30 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730141431/https://balkaninsight.com/2023/02/08/moldova-separatism-law-sparks-tensions-with-breakaway-transnistria/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Military===
{{main|Military of Moldova}}
[[File:Moldovan army Capt. Deli Ianec, left, role-playing as an Afghan National Army officer, and U.S. Army Capt. Trey Marsh, with Iron Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, review pictures taken after a search 130311-A-PU716-004.jpg|thumb|right|A soldier of the [[Military of Moldova|Moldovan Army]] at the Joint Multinational Readiness Centre in [[Hohenfels, Bavaria|Hohenfels]], Germany]]

The Moldovan armed forces consists of the [[Moldovan Ground Forces|Ground Forces]] and [[Moldovan Air Force|Air Force]].
Moldova maintains a standing army of just 6,500 soldiers, and spends just 0.4 percent of its GDP on defence, far behind its regional neighbours.<ref name="Necșuțu-2022" />

Moldova accepted all relevant arms control obligations of the former Soviet Union. On 30 October 1992, Moldova ratified the [[Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe]], which establishes comprehensive limits on key categories of conventional military equipment and provides for the destruction of weapons in excess of those limits. The country acceded to the provisions of the nuclear [[Non-Proliferation Treaty]] in October 1994 in Washington, D.C. It does not have nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological weapons. Moldova joined the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization|North Atlantic Treaty Organisation]]'s [[Partnership for Peace]] on 16 March 1994.

Moldova is committed to a number of international and regional control of arms regulations such as the [[Protocol Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms|UN Firearms Protocol]], [[Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe|Stability Pact Regional Implementation Plan]], the UN Programme of Action (PoA), and the [[Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe|OSCE]] Documents on Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 November 2003 |title=OSCE Document on Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition |url=https://www.osce.org/fsc/15792 |access-date=7 July 2023 |website=[[OSCE]] |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162506/https://www.osce.org/fsc/15792 |url-status=live }}</ref> Since declaring independence in 1991, Moldova has participated in UN peacekeeping missions in [[Liberia]], [[Ivory Coast|Côte d'Ivoire]], [[Sudan]], and [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministry of Defense of Republic of Moldova |url=https://www.army.md/?lng=3&action=show&cat=163 |access-date=7 July 2023 |website=www.army.md |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162330/https://www.army.md/?lng=3&action=show&cat=163 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UNMIL |url=https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/unmil |access-date=7 July 2023 |website=United Nations Peacekeeping |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162104/https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/unmil |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 November 2014, the US donated to Moldovan Armed Forces 39 [[Humvees]] and 10 trailers, with a value of US$700,000, to the 22nd Peacekeeping Battalion of the Moldovan National Army to "increase the capability of Moldovan peacekeeping contingents."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://moldova.usembassy.gov/111214.html |title=2014 – Embassy of the United States Chișinău, Moldova|website=Moldova.usembassy.gov |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904002008/http://moldova.usembassy.gov/111214.html |archive-date=4 September 2015 }}</ref>

Moldova signed a military agreement with Romania to strengthen regional security in 2015. The agreement is part of Moldova's strategy to reform its military and cooperate with its neighbours.<ref>{{cite web|title=Moldova's military agreements to help strengthen regional security|url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/2013/12/21/news/moldovas-military-agreements-to-help-strengthen-regional-security/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904002008/http://www.turkishweekly.net/2013/12/21/news/moldovas-military-agreements-to-help-strengthen-regional-security/|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2015|access-date=21 December 2013}}</ref>

Since 2022, the army has begun a process of modernisation, and has been provided with more than €87 million in support for the modernisation of the defence sector and the strengthening of security through the [[European Peace Facility]].<ref name="Necșuțu-2022">{{Cite web |last=Necșuțu |first=Mădălin |date=13 July 2022 |title=Moldova Weighs Mobility and Firepower in Military Overhaul |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2022/07/13/moldova-weighs-mobility-and-firepower-in-military-overhaul/ |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=[[Balkan Insight]] |language=en-US |archive-date=19 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919235054/https://balkaninsight.com/2022/07/13/moldova-weighs-mobility-and-firepower-in-military-overhaul/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 June 2023 |title=EU hands over first batch of modern equipment to Moldovan armed forces – EU NEIGHBOURS east |url=https://euneighbourseast.eu/news/latest-news/eu-hands-over-first-batch-of-modern-equipment-to-moldovan-armed-forces/ |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=euneighbourseast.eu |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613215600/https://euneighbourseast.eu/news/latest-news/eu-hands-over-first-batch-of-modern-equipment-to-moldovan-armed-forces/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2022, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii claimed that 90 percent of the country's military equipment is outdated and of Soviet origin, dating back to the 1960s and 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Defense Minister Says 90 Percent Of Moldova's Military Equipment Is Outdated |language=en |work=[[Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty]] |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-military-defense-outdated-underfunded/32095231.html |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=31 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531133442/https://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-military-defense-outdated-underfunded/32095231.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2023, Valeriu Mija, Secretary of State for Defence Policy and National Army Reform in the Defence Ministry, claimed that Moldova needed $275 million to modernise its armed forces, especially in light of [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion of Ukraine]] and the presence of [[Russian military presence in Transnistria|1,500 Russian soldiers in Transnistria]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanas |first=Alexander |date=13 April 2023 |title=Moldova needs $275 million to modernise armed forces, defence official says |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldova-needs-275-mln-modernise-armed-forces-defence-official-2023-04-13/ |access-date=6 July 2023 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163741/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldova-needs-275-mln-modernise-armed-forces-defence-official-2023-04-13/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2023, Poland also sent a transport of military equipment worth €8 million (including [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|drones]], laptops, [[Explosive ordnance disposal|explosive ordnance disposal equipment]], and ultrasound equipment) to the [[Moldovan Police|Moldovan police]] to increase the country's internal security.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Poland sends military equipment to Moldovan police |url=https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/poland-sends-military-equipment-to-moldovan-police-38861 |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=www.thefirstnews.com |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162527/https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/poland-sends-military-equipment-to-moldovan-police-38861 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Poland hands over weapons and ammunition to the Moldovan police – Militarnyi |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/poland-hands-over-weapons-and-ammunition-to-the-moldovan-police/ |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=mil.in.ua |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162357/https://mil.in.ua/en/news/poland-hands-over-weapons-and-ammunition-to-the-moldovan-police/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Analysts at the Centre for European Policy Analysis have called for further western weapon donations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirichenko |first=David |date=12 June 2023 |title=Moldova Needs Western Weapons |url=https://cepa.org/article/moldova-needs-western-weapons/ |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=Center for European Policy Analysis |language=en-US |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707161546/https://cepa.org/article/moldova-needs-western-weapons/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Human rights===
{{main|Human rights in Moldova}}
[[Freedom House]] ranked Moldova as a "partly free" country with a score of 62/100 in 2023. They summarised their finds as follows: "Moldova has a competitive electoral environment, and [[Freedom of assembly|freedoms of assembly]], [[Freedom of speech|speech]], and [[Freedom of religion|religion]] are mostly protected. Nonetheless, [[Corruption in Moldova|pervasive corruption]], links between major political figures and powerful economic interests, and critical deficiencies in the justice sector and the rule of law all continue to hamper democratic governance."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moldova: Freedom in the World 2023 Country Report |url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/moldova/freedom-world/2023 |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=[[Freedom House]] |language=en |archive-date=27 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727205636/https://freedomhouse.org/country/moldova/freedom-world/2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to [[Transparency International]], Moldova's [[Corruption Perceptions Index]] improved to 39 points in 2022 from 34 in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 January 2023 |title=2022 Corruption Perceptions Index – Explore Moldova's results |url=https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2022 |access-date=6 July 2023 |website=[[Transparency International]] |language=en |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416180715/https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Reporters Without Borders]] improved Moldova's [[World Press Freedom Index|Press Freedom Index]] ranking from 89th in 2020 to 40th in 2022, while cautioning that "Moldova's media are diverse but extremely polarised, like the country itself, which is marked by political instability and excessive influence by oligarchs."<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 April 2021 |title=Moldova {{!}} Free Press Unlimited |url=https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/countries/moldova |access-date=5 July 2023 |website=Free Press Unlimited |language=en |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705135700/https://www.freepressunlimited.org/en/countries/moldova |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 July 2020 |title=Moldova {{!}} RSF |url=https://rsf.org/en/country/moldova |access-date=5 July 2023 |website=[[Reporters Without Borders]] |language=en |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705135655/https://rsf.org/en/country/moldova |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to [[Amnesty International]]'s 2022/23 report, "No visible progress was made in reducing instances of torture and other ill-treatment in detention. Impunity continued for past human rights violations by law enforcement agencies. New "temporary" restrictions on public assemblies were introduced. The rights of [[Intersex and LGBT|LGBTI]] people were not fully realised, leading to cases of harassment, discrimination and violence. Some refugee reception centres turned away religious and ethnic minority refugees. In the breakaway Transdniestria region, prosecution and imprisonment for peaceful dissent continued."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Human rights in Moldova |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/moldova/report-moldova/ |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=Amnesty International |language=en |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707161740/https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/europe-and-central-asia/moldova/report-moldova/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 June 2023, some 500 LGBT activists and supporters held a [[Pride parade]] in the capital city of Chișinău which for the first time needed no heavy police cordons to protect them from protesters largely linked to the Orthodox church.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tanas |first=Alexander |date=18 June 2023 |title=LGBT activists in Moldova hold march without police protection |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lgbt-activists-moldova-hold-march-without-police-protection-2023-06-18/ |access-date=2 August 2023 |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802101756/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/lgbt-activists-moldova-hold-march-without-police-protection-2023-06-18/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

According to [[United States' Country Reports on Human Rights Practices|Human Rights Report]] of the [[United States Department of State]], released in 2022, "While authorities investigated reports of human rights abuses and corruption committed by officials, the process was slow and burdensome. During the year, authorities indicted and detained several former high-level officials including former President Igor Dodon, former member of parliament Vladimir Andronachi, Shor Party member of parliament Marina Tauber and former director of Moldovan Railways Anatolie Topala. None of these cases resulted in conviction by a court at year's end. Authorities took some steps to identify, investigate, and prosecute officials for human rights abuses, but progress was slow."<ref name="United States Department of State">{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/eur/154439.htm |title=2010 Human Rights Report: Moldova |publisher=United States Department of State |access-date=9 October 2013 |archive-date=13 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013183110/https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/eur/154439.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

In a meeting with the [[European Union]] in October 2022, EU representatives "welcomed positive developments in Moldova such as the ratification of the [[Istanbul Convention]] on preventing and combating violence against women, the adoption of legislation on [[hate crime]], and the ongoing work to reform the Electoral Code. It encouraged Moldovan authorities to address shortcomings identified by OSCE/ODIHR and the [[Venice Commission]] across all areas and ensure effective and continuous implementation of human rights legislation."<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 October 2022 |title=Moldova: 13th EU-Moldova Human Rights Dialogue in Brussels {{!}} EEAS |url=https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/moldova-13th-eu-moldova-human-rights-dialogue-brussels_en |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=Diplomatic Service of the European Union |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802101757/https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/moldova-13th-eu-moldova-human-rights-dialogue-brussels_en |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights]]' 2016 recommendations on hate crimes were "largely reflected in amendments to the Criminal Code adopted by the Moldovan Parliament and published on 3 June 2022", but the report notes that Moldovan law enforcement officers often fail to record the bias motivations behind hate crimes, and additionally recommended "developing its victim support system to ensure effective access to justice, assistance, and protection services for hate crime victims".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moldova {{!}} HCRW |url=https://hatecrime.osce.org/moldova |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=hatecrime.[[osce.org]] |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802014001/https://hatecrime.osce.org/moldova |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, 8 hate crimes were recorded, 7 of which reached a successful conviction, with one going to prosecution but without a conviction.

===Administrative divisions===
{{main|Administrative divisions of Moldova|List of cities in Moldova|List of localities in Moldova|Communes of Moldova}}

{{Map of administrative divisions of Moldova}}

Moldova is divided into 32 districts (''raioane'', singular ''[[raion]]''), three municipalities and two autonomous regions ("autonomous territorial units", [[Gagauzia]] and the [[Administrative-Territorial Units of the Left Bank of the Dniester|Left Bank of the Dniester]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://descentralizare.gov.md/regionmap.php?l=ro&idc=310|title=Autorități publice locale|publisher=Government of Moldova|access-date=12 October 2010|archive-date=28 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828065811/http://www.descentralizare.gov.md/regionmap.php?l=ro&idc=310|url-status=live}}</ref> The final status of Transnistria is [[Disputed status of Transnistria|disputed]], as the central government does not control that territory. 10 other cities, including [[Comrat]] and [[Tiraspol]], the administrative seats of the two autonomous territories, also have [[municipiu|municipality status]].

Moldova has 66 cities (towns), including 13 with municipality status, and 916 communes. Another 700 villages are too small to have a separate administration and are administratively part of either cities (41 of them) or communes (659). This makes for a total of 1,682 localities in Moldova, two of which are uninhabited.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.statistica.md/public/files/Clasificatoare/CUATM_rom.zip|title=Clasificatorul unităţilor administrativ-teritoriale (CUATM)|access-date=20 May 2017|archive-date=8 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508230025/http://www.statistica.md/public/files/Clasificatoare/CUATM_rom.zip|url-status=live}}</ref>

The largest city in Moldova is Chișinău with a population of approx. 695,400 people. The second largest city is Tiraspol at 129,500, part of the [[List of states with limited recognition|unrecognised breakaway region]] of [[Transnistria]], followed by Bălți (146,900) and Bender (91,000).

{{Largest cities of Moldova}}

=== Law enforcement and emergency services ===
{{See also|Crime in Moldova|Healthcare in Moldova}}The Moldovan police force ([[Moldovan Police|General Police Inspectorate]]) reports to the [[Ministry of Internal Affairs (Moldova)|Ministry of Internal Affairs]] (MAI) and is the primary law enforcement body, responsible for internal security, public order, traffic, and criminal investigations. Several agencies responsible for border management, emergency situations, migration and asylum also report to the ministry. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces.<ref name="United States Department of State" /> The Moldovan Police are divided into state and municipal organisations. State police provide law enforcement throughout Moldova while municipal police operate at the local [[Administrative divisions of Moldova|administrative]] level. National and municipal police forces often collaborate closely for law enforcement purposes. The [[Special Forces Brigade "Fulger"]] is a specialised combat-ready police force primarily responsible for tackling organised crime, serious violent crime, and hostage situations. They are subordinate to the General Police Inspectorate and therefore under strict civilian control.<ref name="United States Department of State" />

There are also a number of more specialised police institutions including the Police Department of Chisinau Municipality and the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation. The [[Moldovan Border Police]] are responsible for border security. It was a military branch until 2012 when it was put under the control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to ''The Law on Police Use of Force Worldwide,'' "Moldova does not regulate and restrict the use of firearms by law enforcement officials as international law requires. Police use of a firearm can only be lawful where necessary to confront an imminent threat of death or serious injury or a grave and proximate threat to life."<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2021 |title=Law on police use of force in Moldova |url=https://www.policinglaw.info/country/moldova |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=The Law on Police Use of Force |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802142316/https://www.policinglaw.info/country/moldova |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Security and Intelligence Service of Moldova|Security and Intelligence Service]] (SIS) is a Moldovan state body specialised in ensuring [[national security]] by exercising all appropriate [[Intelligence analysis|intelligence]] and [[Counterintelligence|counter-intelligence]] measures, such as: collecting, processing, checking and capitalising the information needed to identify, prevent and counteract any actions that according to law represent an internal or external threat to independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, constitutional order, democratic development, internal security of the state, society and citizens, the statehood of the Republic of Moldova, the stable functioning of vitally important branches of the national economy, both on the territory of the Republic of Moldova and abroad.

Emergency services in Moldova consist of [[emergency medical services]], [[search and rescue]] units, and a state [[Firefighting|firefighting service]]. There are two hospitals in the capital city Chișinău, the primary being Medpark International Hospital, and general hospitals in [[Bălți]], [[Briceni]], [[Cahul]], and [[Călărași, Moldova|Călărași]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medical Assistance |url=https://md.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/ |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=U.S. Embassy in Moldova |language=en-US |archive-date=31 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531171054/https://md.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 January 2023 |title=List of medical facilities in Moldova |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/moldova-list-of-medical-facilities-and-practitioners/list-of-medical-facilities-in-moldova |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=[[Government of the United Kingdom]] |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802142315/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/moldova-list-of-medical-facilities-and-practitioners/list-of-medical-facilities-in-moldova |url-status=live }}</ref> Moldova has a universal healthcare system through a [[mandatory health insurance]] scheme. Casa Mariorei, founded in 2002, is a [[Women's shelter|domestic violence shelter]] in Chișinău which provides shelter, healthcare, legal advice, and psychosocial support for native Moldovan, immigrant, and refugee women.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burks |first=Roger |date=2 August 2022 |title=Moldovan GBV shelter offers safety and a community for refugees from Ukraine |work=[[UNHCR]] |url=https://www.unhcr.org/uk/news/stories/moldovan-gbv-shelter-offers-safety-and-community-refugees-ukraine |access-date=2 August 2023 |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802142308/https://www.unhcr.org/uk/news/stories/moldovan-gbv-shelter-offers-safety-and-community-refugees-ukraine |url-status=live }}</ref>