21/11/2025 Standing Committee
In an address to the parliamentarians at the opening of the Standing Committee’s meeting in Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi – and Chair of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers – set out the three main priorities of the six-month Moldovan Presidency: support for Ukraine and accountability for Russia’s aggression, support for the New Democratic Pact for Europe, and strengthening the response to disinformation, including foreign interference.
“The role of the Council of Europe in safeguarding and defending democracy, human rights and the rule of law has never been more crucial,” he declared, announcing that the Republic of Moldova would pursue its Presidency under the motto For a Europe of peace and resilience.
Referring to the recent parliamentary elections, Mr Popșoi said his country had faced “an unprecedented, full-scale hybrid destabilisation campaign, orchestrated by the Kremlin”, but it had not succeeded thanks to the work of Moldovan authorities and civil society as well as the resilience of its citizens: “Moldova’s election was a national choice, but its meaning is global – it showed that democracy can prevail even under relentless pressure. But democracies cannot stand alone – they need solidarity, resilience and unwavering support.”