Moldova's Elections Could Be a Flash Point in the Russia-EU Standoff

Moldova's parliamentary elections on Nov. 30 will be an important test for the sustainability of the country's Western orientation. Moldova is, along with Ukraine and Georgia, among the former Soviet countries currently trying to strengthen their ties with the European Union. But also like Ukraine and Georgia, Moldova has internal vulnerabilities — both in the form of opposition groups and breakaway or autonomous territories — that Russia has used to undermine the country's drive toward Western integration. The elections will serve as a political and potential security flash point in Moldova and could create greater instability in an already strongly divided country. Ultimately, Moldova's increasingly fractured political and cultural landscape will be a strong impediment to making meaningful strides in integrating with the West.