Transdniestria Challenges Moldova Over Its EU Aspirations

Recent inflammatory statements between the breakaway territory of Transdniestria and Moldova reflect the growing tensions between the two as the latter continues with its push for European integration. The State Security Committee of Transdniestria released a statement Jan. 15 that said Moldova planned to provide NATO with access to its military bases. Moldovan officials rebutted these claims, calling them "unfounded" and accusing Transdniestria of "escalating tension in the security zone" of the Transdniestria conflict. These tensions are bound to intensify in the coming months, though the hurdles to meaningful integration between Moldova and the West are likely to keep the dispute between Transdniestria and Moldova rhetorical and diplomatic.