Moldovan Parliament Approves Exit from Russian-led CIS

The Moldovan Parliament has officially decided to exit the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with the vote taking place on April 2 in a second reading. This decision represents a pivotal moment in Moldova's efforts to distance itself from Russian influence and enhance its relationships with European partners.

Sixty Moldovan deputies granted final approval to denounce the founding agreement of the CIS, along with its protocol and charter. Following the vote, the parliament characterized this decision as a 'natural and inevitable step towards European integration' in a press release, highlighting the significance of this legislative action.

Under the leadership of President Maia Sandu and her party, Action and Solidarity (PAS), Moldova is actively working to strengthen ties with European partners in pursuit of potential European Union membership, while simultaneously moving away from Russia's sphere of influence.

The CIS is an intergovernmental organization established to formalize economic and diplomatic relations among former Soviet states. Several countries, including Ukraine and Georgia, have already exited this bloc, reflecting a growing trend of rejecting Russian dominance in the region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova initiated the withdrawal from the CIS, arguing that Russia has violated the fundamental principles of the organization by waging war against Ukraine, threatening Georgia, and illegally maintaining its troops on Moldovan territory.

Russia has occupied the Moldovan region of Transnistria since the 1990s, maintaining a military presence in the area, which has raised concerns in Chișinău and among the international community.

Previously, the Moldovan Parliament supported the exit from the CIS in a first reading on March 20. Now, this decision must be approved by the President of Moldova, and formal notification must be sent to the Executive Committee of the CIS no later than 12 months before the exit takes effect.

Chișinău announced its intention to leave the bloc following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a move that has drawn criticism from Moscow. This step underscores a significant shift in Moldova's foreign policy and its ambition to integrate into European structures, which could have far-reaching implications for the region.