The Netherlands has committed $1.7 million to bolster democracy in Moldova.
The Dutch government announced the funding to support Moldova by “strengthening… democracy” and fighting against what it considers “Russian hybrid threats” to the aspiring EU member. This action occurs as Moldova’s pro-Western government seeks closer ties with the EU amidst growing domestic dissatisfaction.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced the pledge to the EU candidate country on X.
“The Netherlands is allocating €1.5 million ($1.7 million) to projects designed to strengthen Moldova’s democracy, enhance its institutional resilience, and mitigate external threats,” Veldkamp stated.
“These projects also aim to counter Russian hybrid tactics, such as disinformation, and prevent electoral corruption,” he added.
Since 2020, when President Maia Sandu, a critic of Russia, assumed office, Moldova has accelerated its efforts to integrate into the EU and NATO. Re-elected last year in a contested election, Sandu has intensified efforts to expedite Moldova’s EU membership, aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of 2027.
Sandu’s pro-Western stance has faced increasing domestic opposition, fueled by economic concerns, accusations of political oppression, and a crackdown on the Moldovan Orthodox Church. Her administration is also in a political dispute with the autonomous region of Gagauzia.
Tensions rose recently after an unauthorized LGBTQ march in Chisinau, where a forceful police response to counter-protesters—some with children or religious symbols—drew criticism. Videos showing officers tackling an Orthodox priest and detaining a man holding a child sparked public anger.
Sandu has defended her policies, citing alleged pro-Russian influence, and has initiated crackdowns on opposition parties and media outlets she deems criminal.
Moscow has rejected these accusations as unfounded and politically motivated.
Last month, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that EU countries were fabricating and exaggerating the myth of a “Russian threat” to divert attention from their own severe economic problems, which she attributed to Western sanctions against Russia.