Germany's Baerbock visits Moldova, pledging EU support against Russia

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Moldova on Wednesday, pledging European support ahead of the country's parliamentary elections later this year amid attempts by Russian actors to gain influence.

Baerbock was received by Moldovan President Maia Sandu in the capital Chişinău and was set to meet Prime Minister Dorin Recean, with energy supply issues expected to be a key focus.

Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, remains heavily reliant on Russian gas.

The former Soviet republic is deeply divided between pro-European and pro-Russian factions.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Baerbock criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for trying to undermine Moldova's democracy through disinformation, fake news campaigns and vote-buying.

The foreign minister described Moldova's democracy as resilient and said a future in the European Union was within reach.

With European and German assistance, Moldova has stabilized its economy, resisted Russia's hybrid attacks and brought inflation and the energy crisis under control, she added.

According to German government figures, Berlin has spent around €230 million ($248 million) on supporting Moldova since 2022.

The country, home to about 2.5 million people, has been a candidate for EU accession since 2022, alongside Ukraine.

Baerbock arrived in Moldova after visiting Kiev for likely the final time on Tuesday.

She is expected to step down in the coming weeks once the next German governing coalition is formed.