Moldova Exits the CIS: Parliament Terminates Key Documents

The Parliament of Moldova, on April 2, made a pivotal decision to denounce the Agreement on the Establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), as well as the associated protocol and statute of the organization. This move was initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, which contends that the core values and principles of the CIS are no longer being respected, and that the organization itself has lost its purpose.

The primary argument for Moldova's exit from the CIS is the gross violation by the Russian Federation of the principle of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders. Chisinau points to Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, its aggression against Georgia, and the illegal presence of Russian troops on Moldovan territory, particularly in the Transnistrian region, as evidence of the complete disintegration of the foundations of the Commonwealth.

The denunciation of these documents has been described as a natural and inevitable step towards Moldova's full membership in the European Union. Exiting the organization will allow the country's budget to save approximately 3.1 million lei annually, which amounts to over 150,000 euros. This is the exact amount of Moldova's membership fee to the CIS budget, representing a significant financial obligation for the state.

It is important to note that, despite the denunciation, relations with CIS member states will continue on bilateral and multilateral platforms. Moldova will remain a participant in a number of CIS agreements, particularly in the trade, economic, and social spheres, indicating the country's desire to maintain dialogue with its neighbors despite political differences.

To date, Moldova has already denounced approximately 70 agreements with the CIS as part of an ongoing process to align national policies and modernize the legislative and economic framework of the country in accordance with European Union standards and norms. This reflects a clear course towards Euro-integration and a rejection of Soviet legacies.

Additionally, on March 11, the Moldovan government approved the denunciation of the foundational documents of the Commonwealth of Independent States. This decision is seen as a logical continuation of the policy aimed at reducing dependence on post-Soviet structures and enhancing integration with Europe.

It is also noteworthy that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, on March 25, made a decision to terminate 116 international treaties previously concluded with the governments of Russia, Belarus, and within the framework of the CIS. This decision underscores the shared position of Ukraine and Moldova regarding the refusal to cooperate with states that threaten the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both countries.