Moldova Officially Exits the Commonwealth of Independent States
On April 9, Moldovan President Maia Sandu signed a series of decrees announcing the country's official withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a decision that has sparked widespread discussion.
On Thursday, April 9, President Maia Sandu of Moldova took a significant step in the country’s foreign policy by signing several decrees related to the denunciation of foundational agreements of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). This decision, which has garnered extensive media coverage, was confirmed by the news agency Newsmaker.
According to the newly signed decrees, Moldova has officially renounced the Agreement on the Establishment of the CIS, along with its accompanying protocol and the Statute of the Commonwealth. This action is seen as a logical continuation of Moldova's policy aimed at integration with European structures.
Previously, members of the Moldovan Parliament indicated that the denunciation of these agreements represents a "natural and inevitable step" towards the country's European integration. This move underscores Moldova's efforts to distance itself from the influence of post-Soviet structures and to align more closely with the European Union.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova has also confirmed that the fundamental principles and values of the CIS no longer correspond with the current realities and interests of the country. It has been noted that exiting the organization will enable Moldova to save approximately 3.1 million lei annually, a crucial aspect in the context of economic stability.
However, the decision to withdraw from the CIS has drawn criticism from the opposition Communist Party. This political force has stated that this move is a "tragedy for the economy" and a "betrayal" of Moldovan citizens who work and live in Russia. They argue that abandoning the CIS could negatively affect Moldova's relationships with other countries in the post-Soviet space.
It is important to recall that on April 2, Moldova made its final decision to exit the CIS. The Parliament of the Republic denounced the Agreement on the Establishment of the CIS, its protocol, and the Statute of the Commonwealth in a second reading. This process received support from 60 deputies from the ruling party PAS, the Democracy at Home party, and several parliamentarians from the Alternative Bloc.
Furthermore, on March 11, the Moldovan government had already approved the denunciation of the foundational documents of the CIS, marking the first step towards a complete withdrawal from the organization. This decision reflects Moldova's aspiration to strengthen its independence and develop in accordance with European standards.
Thus, Moldova is making a crucial move in its foreign policy, seeking to find its place in the modern world, particularly in the context of European integration. The exit from the CIS may serve as a signal to other countries in the region about the desire for change and a departure from outdated models of cooperation.