Maya Sandu on unification with Romania: under what condition she will support it.

According to ТСН: President of Moldova Maya Sandu expressed support for the idea of unifying the country with Romania, but only under the condition of a positive outcome in a nationwide referendum. She shared these thoughts during a British podcast The Rest is Politics.

Sandu noted that the geopolitical situation prompts small states to seek reliable ways to protect their democracy and sovereignty.

“Look at what is happening today around Moldova. Look at what is happening in the world. It is becoming increasingly difficult for a small country like Moldova to survive as a democracy, as a sovereign country, and of course, to resist Russia,”

While Sandu supports the idea of rapprochement with Bucharest, she acknowledged that there is currently no consensus in the country on this issue. Many citizens of Moldova do not yet support the idea of reunification, so the priority remains integration into the European Union.

“Most people in Moldova do not support the idea of reunification, unlike joining the EU, which is a more realistic goal,”

Historical and Political Context

Moldova was part of Romania from 1918 to 1940 until the Soviet occupation. After gaining independence in 1991, the idea of unionism (unification) has remained an important component of the political discourse. The main opponents of this direction in the country are pro-Russian forces – communists and socialists.

Cultural rapprochement continues: in spring 2023, the Parliament of Moldova officially changed the name of the state language in the Constitution from “Moldovan” to “Romanian.”

It was previously reported that the government of Moldova, together with the European Union and the United States, is actively working on a new strategy or “roadmap” for the reintegration of the country. However, the details of this plan remain undisclosed. This information was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Kiver after a government meeting.

Thus, President Sandu’s support for the idea of unification with Romania raises important questions about Moldova's future in the context of its foreign policy and internal perception. Despite the lack of unequivocal support from the population, the process of reintegration with the European Union remains a priority for the government, and this dynamic may significantly influence the country's political course in the coming years.