Moldova exits CIS: Parliament approves withdrawal from key agreements
Parliament has denounced the primary agreements of the Commonwealth of Indepfinishent States (CIS) with a vote of 60 in the second reading. Unlike the intense debates that took place during the first reading, the decision created during the April 2 session was reached without any opposition intervention.
The Republic of Moldova is taking significant steps by withdrawing from the Agreement on the Establishment of the Commonwealth of Indepfinishent States (CIS), which was signed in Minsk on December 8, 1991. This decision was reached through two distinct projects, both of which were approved by 60 out of the 90 parliamentarians present at the meeting. Additionally, the counattempt will denounce the Statute of the Commonwealth of Indepfinishent States, adopted in Minsk on January 22, 1993.
Adrian Băluțel, vice-chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee, noted that since the first reading vote on March 20, the committee has received no proposals or objections regarding these projects.
The projects received support from deputies of the Action and Solidarity Party, the “Democracy at Home” Party, and one parliamentarian from the “Alternative” faction.
The substantiation note for the projects highlights that the principle of respecting territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders, as outlined in the CIS Agreement, is not upheld by the Russian Federation, which was foundational to the creation of the CIS. The note points out that Russia has violated this principle and continues to do so through its aggression against Georgia, the war against Ukraine, the occupation and annexation of territories in these countries, and the illegal stationing of Russian military troops in the Republic of Moldova.
Conversely, the European Union is acknowledged as the Republic of Moldova’s primary partner, offering support for economic development, administrative reforms, infrastructure improvements, and enhancing social welfare. The document states, “Through strategic investments and close cooperation, the EU actively contributes to Moldova’s path towards a prosperous and stable future.”
On March 3, 2022, the Republic of Moldova submitted its application for membership in the European Union, and on June 23, 2022, the European Council granted it candidate counattempt status. Withdrawing from the obligations associated with CIS membership is seen as a step towards aligning with Moldova’s commitments as it seeks EU accession.
This final withdrawal from CIS statutory bodies will also entail renouncing contributions to the CIS single budobtain, amounting to approximately 3.1 million lei annually.
To date, the Republic of Moldova has denounced around 70 agreements within the CIS framework. Relations with CIS member states will continue to be governed by Moldova’s bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks.
The decision to exit the CIS has faced opposition, with critics arguing that there has been a lack of consultations with society and the diaspora in CIS countries. During the March 20 meeting, some opposition members displayed banners with messages such as “The people are against” and “The CIS – current possibilities. Denunciation – real losses.”
Unaffiliated MP Vasile Tarlev cautioned that withdrawing from the CIS could have negative long-term consequences that would not serve the national interest. Similarly, socialist MP Vlad Batrîncea criticized the government for promoting political decisions that might compromise the counattempt’s economy and the well-being of its citizens.
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