Why Moldova refuses to retake Transnistria by force and what it plans instead
In recent years, the issue of Transnistria has returned to expert discussions. The name "Transnistria" has been popping up more frequently in global media.
However, Moldova's government feels there is a misunderstanding among some authors, experts and journalists about the concept and nature of this "frozen conflict." To clarify the situation, Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Oleg Serebrian, and Dan Nicu from the Bureau for Reintegration Policy have written an article to share Moldova’s internal perspective.
Read more to understand what Transnistria represents for the Republic of Moldova, why peaceful reintegration is the only acceptable option and what should be done about the Russian military presence and its influence in the region in the article – Why Moldova opposes a military operation in Transnistria: Explained by Deputy Prime Minister of the Sandu government.
Transnistria (also known as the Eastern Districts of the Republic of Moldova or the Left Bank of the Dniester) had no distinct status in the USSR, and its identity has fluctuated over centuries.
In 1940, the Soviet authorities created the Moldavian SSR and included a strip of land on the left bank of the Dniester, predominantly Romanian-speaking, into its territory.
From then on, five districts on the left bank of the Dniester were part of the republic without any special or autonomous status.
Even now, despite 34 years of Chișinău's lack of control over this region, social ties between the two sides of the Dniester remain strong. People on both banks do not view each other as threats. They maintain family and social connections.
Of the approximately 350,000 people living in Transnistria, over 90% hold Moldovan citizenship. Many benefit from social services provided by the central government.
Most importantly, the left bank of the Dniester remains part of Moldova. It must make every effort to achieve peaceful reintegration.
Since 1992, Chișinău has engaged in dialogue with the unrecognised Tiraspol authorities, mediated by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Moldova has supported these negotiation formats for many years. Although the 5+2 meetings became impossible after Russia's military aggression, the 1+1 format and working groups continue to meet regularly, as the Moldovan side believes peaceful conflict resolution is impossible without dialogue.
Moldova's commitment to peaceful reintegration is yielding results.
It has managed to include the left bank of the Dniester in negotiations with the EU on the Association Agreement. The Transnistrian region, along with the rest of the country, has joined the free trade zone with the European Union.
This, along with the visa-free regime with the EU, has led to a significant increase in Transnistrian residents applying for Moldovan passports. Nearly all businesses in the region have registered with Moldovan authorities, legalising their activities, including exports.
Another reason Chișinău favours peaceful reintegration is the desire to maintain political stability in Moldova. Pro-Russian political parties and influence groups seek to destabilise the country by spreading disinformation about supposed "secret plans" of the Moldovan government to attack Transnistria.
Moldova has made its peaceful approach part of its legislation.
Many hopes for successful reintegration are tied to European integration. Moldovan authorities believe that improving the standard of living on the right bank of the Dniester could become a catalyst for further integration of the left bank.
Looking ahead, Moldova is focusing on strengthening its energy independence. On the right bank, it has already stopped using gas from Gazprom. Operating at market prices will break the vicious cycle used by Tiraspol's authorities to finance the regime that continues to keep the country divided.
Additionally, Chișinău is modernising and strengthening its security and defence forces.