Expresses the Senate's support for Romania and Moldova's efforts to strengthen democracy and sovereignty against Russian interference, urging increased international support and U.S. engagement to bolster their security and election integrity.
Christopher Coons
Senator
DE
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for Romania and Moldova's efforts to strengthen democracy and sovereignty in Eastern Europe amidst Russian interference. It applauds their energy partnership and encourages international support, particularly from the EU, to counter Russian influence before their upcoming elections. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to increase engagement with both nations to bolster their security and election integrity.
Senate Resolution Backs Romania & Moldova Against Russian Interference, Urges Support Before 2025 Elections
This Senate resolution formally expresses strong U.S. support for Romania and Moldova as they work to strengthen their democracies while facing significant interference from Russia. It acknowledges their commitment to sovereignty and the rule of law, specifically citing Russian efforts to undermine their systems, particularly during elections in 2024. The resolution serves as an official statement condemning these actions and advocating for increased international backing for both nations.
Allies Under Pressure: Recognizing the Stakes
The resolution paints a picture of two Eastern European nations pushing forward despite external pressure. It highlights Romania's position as a key NATO ally, noting its defense spending exceeds the target set by the 2014 Wales Summit Declaration (where members agreed to aim for 2% of GDP on defense). Romania's role in supporting Ukraine and its energy resources are also recognized as vital in countering Russia's influence. Simultaneously, Moldova's dedication to democratic reforms and its path toward European Union membership (aiming to join by 2035) are applauded. Both countries' pro-Western stances and democratic progress, the resolution states, have made them targets. Russia's tactics reportedly included digital disinformation campaigns targeting Romania's November 2024 presidential election and a range of destabilizing efforts in Moldova, such as weaponizing energy supplies, orchestrating vote-buying campaigns, and launching cyber operations.
A Call to Action: Bolstering Defenses Before the Next Vote
More than just a statement of support, the resolution calls for concrete actions. It urges the international community, especially the European Union, to step up assistance before crucial elections scheduled in both countries in 2025 (Romania's rescheduled presidential election in May, Moldova's parliamentary elections after July). A key request is for the European Commission to release its report detailing Russian interference in Romania's 2024 election, specifically mentioning the role of platforms like TikTok, and to establish best practices for combating such interference moving forward. Furthermore, it directs the U.S. government itself to strengthen engagement with Romania and Moldova, focusing on bolstering their security measures and ensuring the integrity of their upcoming elections. The resolution essentially argues that international solidarity and practical support are crucial now to help these nations withstand pressure and safeguard their democratic processes.