The Republic of Moldova is a small European country caught between powerful regional dynamics, that declared itself as a permanently neutral state in 1994, shortly after gaining independence from the Soviet Union. Yet, three decades later, we are still grappling with what this neutrality truly means and how to uphold it in a very unstable world. So far, there are five main challenges that Moldova faces in maintaining and strengthening its neutral status:
1. War on Our Border: Regional Insecurity
Today, Moldova shares a border with a country at war – Ukraine. This war has brought instability, fear, and economic disruption to the entire region. In such a context, neutrality becomes a daily test and it is no longer just a legal term. Neutrality becomes harder to maintain when peace is shattered next door.
2. Foreign Influence and Complex Threats
Modern threats go far beyond tanks and missiles. Moldova is facing foreign political interference, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns from various external actors.
Neutrality must not mean passivity. It must empower us to resist non-military interference and protect the country. But there’s a danger: powerful states may use Moldova’s neutrality as an excuse to keep us in a kind of geopolitical uncertainty, where we’re too weak to choose our own future.
3. Weakness that creates Opportunities
Moldova’s military capacity is small and underfunded, civil protection systems, from emergency response to infrastructure resilience, are not yet strong enough. Without adopting a clear legal framework for neutrality (Strategy for National Security, Permanent neutrality Law, etc.), our status risks being seen not as a strength, but as a weakness that creates opportunity for others to exploit it.
4. Lack of Clear Definition and Strategy
Yes, neutrality is mentioned in our Constitution, 11th article. But what does it actually mean in today’s world? In Moldova, we still lack a solid legal or institutional framework that defines how neutrality should work, especially when facing complex, multidomain threats. This ambiguity creates confusion among policymakers, citizens, and international partners. We urgently need clarity: What is neutrality in practice? And how can it protect us in a world of complex, non-traditional threats? These key points were described into clear, accessible, and engaging language for an international audience not familiar with Moldova within the books “Neutrality: brief manual” and “Sovereignty: brief manual”, published in 2023-2024.
5. Divided Public Opinion and Political Will
Perhaps the most difficult challenge is the difference between policymakers and the common people. In Moldova, people and politicians are not united in how they understand neutrality. Absolute majority of the population is consolidated to keep neutrality status, but actual ruling party is considering EU defense policy as a basic position.
A call for neutrality
In this context it is essential to respect sovereignty principle as a shield to keep us in peace. Others question whether it isolates us from much-needed partnerships. That’s why it’s critical to build national consensus: without unity at home, neutrality cannot be credible abroad. To achieve this, we need:
- Stronger laws and institutions,
- Honest public dialogue and civic education,
- Independent research and international support.
Let us remember: neutrality, when done right, is not a retreat from the world. It is a moral and strategic choice to uphold peace in a time of war.
Tsvyatkov Nikolay, PhD (Habil.), Professor of Political Science
For Neutrality Colloquium: A Call to Action for Active Neutrality & World Peace, Geneva, 26–27 June 2025
Sources:
- Tsvyatkov N., Tcaci A., Banari S. Neutrality: brief manual. Chisinau, 2023
- Tsvyatkov N., Tcaci A., Cojuhari E. Sovereignty: brief manual. Chisinau, 2024