NEWSLETTER Deputies in the plenary session of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. December 2025 2025: between European progress and social polarisation Topics of the edition: 1- Cristina Ciubotaru, anti­corruption expert: The EU is giving justice reform a polite diplomatic pat on the back, smoothly avoiding any awkward situations 2- Vitalie Spranceana, sociologist: Moldova in 2025: social policies— the same as before, only worse 3- Marina Soloviova, Programme Director for Economic Policy at Expert­Grup: Annual economic growth rates of 2–3 per cent are insufficient to achieve a real economic leap 4- Mark Tkaciuk, a member of the Alternativa bloc: We must achieve visible social, economic and legal results on the road to the EU, not after the triumphant date of accession We are leaving behind a challenging year for the Republic of Moldova, which brought significant successes on the path toward European Union accession, but also generated deeper polarisation than ever before, in a year dominated by elections. The Republic of Moldova has made a number of important advances and is currently working on the negotiation chapters with the EU. Chisinau appears more determined than ever to see this mission through to completion. However, limited resources, persistent social problems, and an increasingly tense international context will pose major challenges to achieving this strategic objective. At the same time, the Transnistrian issue, which has been relegated to the background by the government, will need to be addressed head-on. There is no viable alternative to an open and committed discussion of this issue with Western partners, who can support the Republic of Moldova at all levels necessary for the country’s reintegration process. The future of the Republic of Moldova also remains closely linked to the evolution of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and the possible outcome of international peace negotiations. In this context, it is essential for the Republic of Moldova to make its needs and aspirations heard as clearly as possible, particularly those related to the resolution of the Transnistrian issue. Internally, there is a need to maintain a sustained pace of reforms, which must first and foremost be substantive and of high quality, and only then accelerated in procedural terms. Foreign Policy Association together with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung offer you a newsletter on foreign policy and European integration issues of the Republic of Moldova. The newsletter is part of the“Foreign Policy Dialogue” joint Project. Monthly newsletter, No.12(238), December 2025 1