The geopolitics of Moldova: What impact will Russia's war have?

In part II of our discussion about Moldova, we take a deeper look with OSW expert Kamil Całus at more recent Moldova politics, connected with the war in Ukraine, anti-government protests that have been taking place in the country since September 2022 and how likely a Moldova-Romania reunification is.

Since the war in Ukraine, Moldova has been subject to Russian violations of its airspace, with Russian missiles flying over Moldovan airspace, not to mention ignoring Moldova's neutrality in this conflict. What does this change in light of Moldova's NATO and EU accession expectations or is it more likely for Moldova and Romania to reunify?

Also on our radar is Ilan Shor, founder of the Șor Party and organiser of the recent protests in Moldova - a controversial businessman, who has been sentenced for committing the "theft of the century". We take a look at his political support, most recent scandals and links with Russia.

🔵 For more on the history, language and introduction to this fascinating country, make sure to watch part I of our conversation with Centre for Eastern Studies expert Kamil Całus:

[illuminatiuser-Masoni]

Centre for Eastern Studies (in nu OSW de Geopolitics Explainer de Russia of EU of Moldova of Transntristria in un ) 2100

[BurningFlame]

18:20 - this guy is lying and manipulating, there is no poll ever done in Romania where just 30% of the population is for the re-unification with Moldova. In every poll ever done in Romania 60-80% of the population was and is for the re-unification with Moldova.

[beynar]

Who knows if a country of Transdniestria created by Hitler during II WW reemerge again in case of Ukraine switching borders to the east. In such scenario the unification of Moldova and Romania could be more difficult.

[roberttilimbici]

As a Romanian, I think you nailed it. The major thing is can Moldova sustain itself as a country? The answer today is no. This is a country in the death spiral. The answer that the Moldovan elite has is if we join the EU we could. I doubt that they can join the EU that fast, there are other countries in the Western Balkans that are waiting for a long time. Besides EU needs to reform before letting any others to join.

[BurningFlame]

21:15 - if it's always better to be separated, why did East Germany re-unite with West-Germany, why did all the european principalities unite into bigger more powerful national states ? For who is it better if Moldova remains separated for Romania, knowing that the salaries and standard of living is 2-3x lower in Moldova than in Romania and that in case of the re-unification Moldova would immediately join the EU and NATO and not in an unknown far away future ? If Moldova remains separated from Romania, its much worse for the population of Moldova and better for the corrupt mafia-elites of Moldova and for Russia. Your guest is very manipulative and evidently against the re-unification of Moldova and Romania. He could be part of the corrupt mafia-elite of Moldova or even a pro-russian or pro-ukrainian. He certainly is very anti-romanian.