History of Moldova in Timeline
Moldova, officially the Republic of Moldova, is a landlocked Eastern European country bordered by Romania and Ukraine. Its area is 33,483 km2 and its population around 2.42 million. The unrecognized breakaway state of Transnistria is located on its eastern border. Moldova operates as a unitary parliamentary representative democratic republic, with Chișinău serving as its capital and largest city, as well as its main cultural and commercial hub.
1917: Bessarabia Becomes Autonomous
During the 1917 Russian Revolution, Bessarabia briefly became an autonomous state within the Russian Republic.
1917: Russian Influence
During the period up to 1917, Moldovans were influenced by Russian administrative control.
February 1918: Bessarabia Declares Independence
In February 1918, Bessarabia declared its independence from the Russian Republic.
1918: Bessarabia Unites with Romania
In 1918, Bessarabia briefly became independent as the Moldavian Democratic Republic and then united with Romania, following a decision by the Parliament (Sfatul Țării).
1924: Moldavian Autonomous Republic Established
In 1924, Soviet Russia established the Moldavian Autonomous Republic within the Ukrainian SSR on territories east of Bessarabia.
1939: Broadcasting of Radio Moldova
In 1939, the first publicly funded national radio broadcaster, Radio Moldova, began broadcasting from Chişinău.
1940: Soviet Union Reclaims Bessarabia
During the Second World War, in 1940, the Soviet Union occupied Bessarabia and reclaimed it from Romania, incorporating it into the Union as the Moldavian SSR.
1940: Romania Cedes Bessarabia to the Soviet Union
In 1940, Romania was compelled to cede Bessarabia to the Soviet Union as a consequence of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, leading to the creation of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.
1940: Establishment of Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University of Chișinău
The Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University of Chișinău was established in 1940.
1944: Soviet Influence
During the period starting in 1944, Moldovans were influenced by Soviet administrative control and ethnic Russian immigration.
1945: Establishment of Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy
The Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy was established in 1945.
1946: Establishment of Moldova State University
The Moldova State University was established in Chișinău in 1946.
1961: Establishment of Academy of Sciences of Moldova
The Academy of Sciences of Moldova was established in Chișinău in 1961.
January 1963: Lowest temperature ever recorded
On 20 January 1963, the lowest temperature ever recorded in Moldova was −35.5 °C in Brătușeni, Edineț county.
1964: Establishment of Technical University of Moldova
The Technical University of Moldova was established in 1964.
1969: Earliest wines in the collection
The earliest wines in the collection of Mileștii Mici date back to 1969.
1972: Release of Lăutarii
In 1972, Lăutarii, written and directed by Emil Loteanu, was released.
1988: Nicolae Juravschi at the Seoul Games
In 1988, Nicolae Juravschi represented the Soviet Union at the Seoul Games, winning two medals.
1990: Population Decline Since 1990
According to Balkan Insight, the population of Moldova has fallen by almost 33% since 1990.
1990: War of Transnistria begins
After the 1990–1992 War of Transnistria, Moldova sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Transnistria region.
1990: Founding of the Ecological Movement of Moldova
In 1990, the Ecological Movement of Moldova was founded as a national, non-governmental, nonprofit organisation to restore Moldova's damaged natural environment.
1990: Transnistria Under Breakaway Government Control
Since 1990, the strip of Moldovan territory on the east bank of the Dniester has been under the de facto control of the breakaway government of Transnistria.
August 1991: Moldavian SSR Declares Independence
On August 1991, as the dissolution of the Soviet Union was underway, the Moldavian SSR declared independence and took the name Moldova.
1991: Moldova Declares Independence
In 1991, Moldova declared its independence from the USSR.
1991: Declaration of Independence and Participation in UN Missions
Since declaring independence in 1991, Moldova has participated in UN peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, and Georgia.
1991: Establishment of Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova
The Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova was established in 1991.
October 1992: Ratification of Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
In October 30, 1992, Moldova ratified the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, establishing limits on conventional military equipment and providing for the destruction of weapons exceeding those limits.
1992: War of Transnistria ends
After the 1990–1992 War of Transnistria, Moldova sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Transnistria region.
1992: Moldova Joins International Organizations
In 1992, Moldova became a member state of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
1992: Independence from the Soviet Union
In 1992, Moldova gained independence from the Soviet Union and began transitioning to a market economy.
1992: Close ties with Russia
Since 1992, Transnistria has pursued close diplomatic, military, and economic ties with Russia, with more than a thousand Russian soldiers stationed in the region.
March 1994: Joining NATO's Partnership for Peace
On 16 March 1994, Moldova joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's Partnership for Peace program.
October 1994: Accession to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
In October 1994, Moldova acceded to the provisions of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in Washington, D.C., confirming it does not possess nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological weapons.
1994: Moldova Joins NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme
In 1994, Moldova became a participant in NATO's Partnership for Peace programme.
1994: Constitution of Moldova Sets Government Framework
In 1994, the Constitution of Moldova was established, providing the framework for the government of the country.
1994: First Match of Moldova National Football Team
In 1994, the Moldova national football team played its first match.
1994: Constitution of Moldova Adopted
In 1994, the constitution of Moldova was adopted, establishing the country as a parliamentary republic.
1994: Moldova's Olympic Debut
Moldova made its Olympic debut at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.
May 1995: Moldova Signed CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Convention
In May 1995, Moldova signed the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Convention to become a member.
July 1995: Moldova Admitted to Council of Europe
Moldova was admitted to the Council of Europe in July 1995.
1996: Moldova Joins the Francophonie
In 1996, Moldova joined the Francophonie.
1999: Access to the Danube River
In 1999, Moldova acquired a 0.45 kilometer river frontage to the Danube from Ukraine, transforming Giurgiulești into a river port with access to international waters.
2000: Constitutional Change Adopted Regarding Presidential Election
A constitutional change was adopted in 2000 regarding the presidential election which was later ruled unconstitutional in 2016.
2001: President Elected by Parliament
Between 2001 and 2015, the President of Moldova was elected by the Moldovan Parliament.
2001: Moldova Joins the World Trade Organization
In 2001, Moldova joined the World Trade Organization.
2002: Founding of Casa Mariorei
In 2002, Casa Mariorei, a domestic violence shelter, was founded in Chișinău to provide shelter, healthcare, legal advice, and psychosocial support for women.
2002: Moldova Joins the International Criminal Court
In 2002, Moldova joined the International Criminal Court.
2002: Moldovan diaspora in Ukraine
In 2002, the Moldovan diaspora in Ukraine was estimated to be 258,600 people.
2003: O-Zone's "Dragostea Din Tei" Success
In 2003, the Moldovan band O-Zone rose to prominence with their hit song "Dragostea Din Tei", which topped various single charts.
2004: Inauguration of Moldova President's Cup and Rugby Popularity
In 2004, the Moldova President's Cup cycling race was first held. Rugby union also gained popularity, with increased playing numbers.
August 2005: Reintroduction of European Bison
In August 2005, several days before Moldova's Independence Day on 27 August, three European bison from Białowieża Forest in Poland were reintroduced to Moldova.
2005: EU and Moldova Establish Action Plan
In 2005, Moldova and the European Union established an action plan to improve cooperation.
2005: Moldova's Eurovision Debut and Zdob și Zdub's Performance
Moldova participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 2005. Also in 2005, the band Zdob și Zdub represented Moldova in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing sixth.
2005: Guinness World Record
Since 2005, Mileștii Mici has retained the Guinness World Record for the largest wine cellar by the number of bottles.
May 2007: Natalia Barbu at Eurovision
In May 2007, Natalia Barbu represented Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest 2007 in Helsinki with her song "Fight", securing tenth place with 109 points.
July 2007: Highest temperature ever recorded
On 21 July 2007, the highest temperature ever recorded in Moldova was 41.5 °C in Camenca.
2009: Joining Budapest Convention on Cybercrime
In 2009, Moldova joined the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime of the Council of Europe.
2009: Release of Wedding in Bessarabia
In 2009, Wedding in Bessarabia, a co-production by Romania, Moldova, and Luxembourg, was released.
February 2010: Poland Provides Financial Support for Moldova
According to a lending agreement signed in February 2010, Poland provided US$15 million to support Moldova in its European integration efforts.
April 2010: Romania Offers Development Aid to Moldova
In April 2010, Romania offered Moldova development aid worth €100 million and doubled the number of scholarships for Moldovan students to 5,000.
September 2010: European Parliament Approves Grant to Moldova
In September 2010, the European Parliament approved a grant of €90 million to Moldova.
2010: Moldovan diaspora in Russia
In 2010, the Moldovan diaspora in Russia was estimated to be 156,400 people.
2010: SunStroke Project at Eurovision
In 2010, the SunStroke Project with Olia Tira represented Moldova in the Eurovision Song Contest with their song "Run Away", which gained international fame as an internet meme.
2011: Zdob și Zdub at Eurovision
In 2011, Zdob și Zdub represented Moldova in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing 12th.
2011: Recognition of Islamic League of Moldova
In 2011, the Islamic League of Moldova, an NGO, was recognized by the Moldovan Ministry of Justice as representing Moldovan Muslims.
March 2012: Joint Meeting of Romanian and Moldovan Governments
The first joint meeting of the Governments of Romania and Moldova, held in March 2012, concluded with several bilateral agreements in various fields.
2012: Security Zone Incident Raises Tensions
In 2012, a security zone incident resulted in the death of a civilian, raising tensions with Russia.
2012: Border Police Under Ministry of Internal Affairs
In 2012, the Moldovan Border Police, formerly a military branch, was put under the control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
2012: Russia Canceled Decree on Moldova's Sovereignty
In February 2023, Russia canceled a 2012 decree underpinning Moldova's sovereignty.
August 2013: Pipeline construction
In August 2013, work began on a pipeline between Moldova and Romania to break Russia's monopoly on Moldova's gas supplies.
November 2013: Association Agreement Drafted in Vilnius
Moldova signed the Association Agreement with the European Union in Brussels on 27 June 2014. The signing came after the accord was drafted in Vilnius in November 2013.
November 2013: Moldova Signs Association Agreement with EU
On 29 November 2013, at a summit in Vilnius, Moldova signed an association agreement with the European Union.
June 2014: Moldova Signs Association Agreement with EU
Moldova signed the Association Agreement with the European Union in Brussels on 27 June 2014.
November 2014: US Donation of Humvees and Trailers
On 12 November 2014, the US donated 39 Humvees and 10 trailers, valued at US$700,000, to the 22nd Peacekeeping Battalion of the Moldovan National Army to enhance peacekeeping capabilities.
2014: Moldovan census on religion
According to the 2014 Moldovan census, 90% of the country reported to be of the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith.
2014: Russian Speakers
As of 2014, approximately 15% of the Moldovan population also speak Russian.
2014: Referendum in Gagauzia
In 2014, nearly 99 per cent of Gagauzians voted in a referendum to reject closer links with Europe in favor of joining the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union.
2015: Scholarships from Romania
As of 2015, Romania allocates 5,000 scholarships in high schools and universities for Moldovan students.
2015: President Elected by Parliament
Between 2001 and 2015, the President of Moldova was elected by the Moldovan Parliament.
2015: Agriculture Production
Between 2015 and 2022, agricultural production almost doubled, particularly in vegetable and fruit production.
2015: Rise of Carla's Dreams
In 2015, Carla's Dreams, a musical project, rose in popularity in Moldova.
2015: Military Agreement with Romania
In 2015, Moldova signed a military agreement with Romania to strengthen regional security, as part of Moldova's strategy to reform its military and cooperate with its neighbors.
2015: Radu Albot wins ATP doubles
In 2015, Radu Albot wins the ATP doubles (2015 Istanbul Open).
2015: Election of Irina Vlakh
In 2015, just over half of Gagauzians voted for the Russian-backed socialist candidate Irina Vlakh as governor.
March 2016: Constitutional Court Reverts Presidential Election Method
On 4 March 2016, the Constitutional Court ruled the 2000 constitutional change regarding presidential election unconstitutional, reverting the election method to a direct two-round system.
December 2016: Retirement age reform approved
On 19 December 2016, the Moldovan parliament approved raising the retirement age to 63 years, as part of an assistance programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund.
2016: Carla's Dreams' Success with "Sub Pielea Mea"
In 2016, Carla's Dreams' song "Sub Pielea Mea" topped charts in multiple European countries, including Moldova and Russia.
2016: High Alcohol Consumption
In 2016, Moldova had one of the highest alcohol consumption rates per capita globally, with 15.2 litres (4.0 US gal) of pure alcohol consumed.
2016: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights' recommendations on hate crimes
In 2016, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights made recommendations on hate crimes.
2016: National Cyber Security Programme
Moldova adopted the National Cyber Security Programme for 2016–2020, establishing legislative parameters for a safer digital environment.
2017: Carla's Dreams Release Latest Album
In 2017, Carla's Dreams released their latest album.
2017: SunStroke Project at Eurovision with "Hey Mama"
In 2017, SunStroke Project featured again in the Eurovision entry "Hey Mama", achieving third place.
2018: Primary energy supply
In 2018, Moldova's primary energy supply consisted of approximately half natural gas, a quarter oil and one-fifth solid biomass.
2018: Deaths exceeding live-births
Since 2018, the number of deaths has exceeded the levels of live-births in Moldova.
2019: Children per women
As of 2019, the average number of children per women of childbearing age in Moldova was 1.78.
2019: Flight of Ilan Șhor
In 2019, Ilan Șhor, a pro-Russian politician and businessman, fled to Israel after being convicted of fraud and money-laundering.
2019: Bison Exchange Programme Talks
In 2019, Moldova began talks with Belarus regarding a bison exchange programme between the two countries, aiming to expand Moldova's wisent population.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Score
In 2019, Moldova had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 2.2/10, ranking it 158th globally out of 172 countries.
2019: Healthcare Spending
In 2019, Moldova spent 4.9% of its annual GDP on healthcare.
2019: Radu Albot wins ATP singles
In 2019, Radu Albot wins the ATP singles (2019 Delray Beach Open).
2019: Moldovan diaspora in Italy and France
In 2019, the Moldovan diaspora was estimated to be 188,923 in Italy and 26,300 in France.
2019: Leading causes of death
In 2019, the leading causes of death in Moldova were Ischaemic heart disease, strokes, hypertensive heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers.
2019: Fertility Rate
In 2019, the total fertility rate per woman in Moldova was 1.78.
2019: Pre-pandemic Tourists
In 2019, there were 31,000 non-resident tourists in Moldova.
2019: 5G Testing Begins
Moldova is considering a bid to begin rolling out 5G in 2024, with testing beginning in 2019.
November 2020: Maia Sandu Elected President
In November 2020, Maia Sandu, a pro-European opposition candidate, was elected as the new president of Moldova, becoming the first female president.
2020: Maia Sandu Elected President
In 2020, Maia Sandu, running on a pro-Western and anti-corruption platform, was elected as the President of Moldova.
2020: Corruption Perceptions and Press Freedom rankings
In 2020, Moldova's Corruption Perceptions Index was 34 points, according to Transparency International. Reporters Without Borders ranked Moldova's Press Freedom Index as 89th.
2020: Moldova's Press Freedom Index Ranking
In 2020, Moldova's Press Freedom Index ranking was 89th.
2020: Infant mortality rate
In 2020, infant mortality in Moldova was 8.7 per 1,000 live-births.
2020: Low net emigration
In 2020, net emigration from Moldova fell to a low of 7,000 people.
2020: Moldovan diaspora in Romania
In 2020, the Moldovan diaspora in Romania was estimated to be 285,000 people.
2020: Government Resigns
In 2020, the prime minister and government resigned, and early parliamentary elections were triggered due to the failure to form a new government.
2020: National Cyber Security Programme
Moldova adopted the National Cyber Security Programme for 2016–2020, establishing legislative parameters for a safer digital environment.
July 2021: Early Parliamentary Elections Held
Early parliamentary elections were held in July 2021, resulting in the Party of Action and Solidarity winning a single-party majority with 63 seats.
2021: Agriculture share
As of 2021, agriculture made up 12% of Moldova's overall exports and 21% of overall employment.
2021: Hate crime convictions
In 2021, 8 hate crimes were recorded, 7 of which reached a successful conviction, with one going to prosecution but without a conviction.
2021: GDP growth rebound
In 2021, Moldova experienced a rebound in annual GDP growth to 13.9% following the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Wine Exports
In 2021, Moldova exported $140 million in wine, becoming the 21st largest exporter of wine in the world. Wine exports were the country's fifth largest export, with the EU becoming the main purchaser of Moldovan wines.
2021: Wine Exports to Russia and Europe
In 2021, Russia accounted for only 10% of Moldovan wine exports, a significant decrease from 80% in the early 2000s. Moldova exported more than 120 million litres of wine to European countries, compared to 8.6 million litres to Russia.
2021: Zdob și Zdub represent Moldova again
In 2021, Zdob și Zdub represented Moldova again in the Eurovision Song Contest, achieving a similar result to their 2005 performance.
2021: Russia's Plan to Destabilise Moldova
In 2021, a document by Russia's FSB's Directorate outlined a 10-year plan to destabilise Moldova.
2021: Moldovan diaspora in Canada
In 2021, the Moldovan diaspora in Canada was estimated to be 20,470 people.
2021: Digitization laboratory equipped
In 2021, the United States assisted by equipping a digitisation laboratory to restore and preserve Moldovan feature and documentary films.
2021: Comparison of deaths
In 2021, the overall number of deaths was higher than in 2022.
2021: Reduced Death Rate Gap
Since 2021, the gap between the number of deaths and live-births in Moldova has been reduced.
March 2022: Moldova Applies for EU Membership
On 3 March 2022, Moldova signed the membership application to join the EU.
May 2022: Incitement to religious and ethnic hatred made illegal
In May 2022, Moldova made incitement to religious and ethnic hatred illegal.
June 2022: Moldova Granted EU Candidate Status
In June 2022, Moldova was granted candidate status for membership in the European Union.
June 2022: Amendments to the Criminal Code
On 3 June 2022, amendments to the Criminal Code, largely reflecting the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights' 2016 recommendations on hate crimes, were adopted by the Moldovan Parliament.
July 2022: Internet Usage in Moldova
By July 2022, Moldova had 3 million internet users, approximately 76% of the population.
July 2022: Internet Users
By July 2022, there were more than 3 million internet users in Moldova, constituting some 76% of the population.
July 2022: Preservation of Moldovan Films
In July 2022, the United Nations Development Programme announced it would be using equipment to transfer more than 1,600 films from the Moldova-Film archive.
August 2022: Starlink launch
In August 2022, Starlink launched in Moldova.
October 2022: Defense Minister claims outdated military equipment
In October 2022, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii stated that 90 percent of Moldova's military equipment is outdated and of Soviet origin, dating back to the 1960s and 1980s.
October 2022: Meeting with the European Union
In October 2022, EU representatives welcomed positive developments in Moldova, such as the ratification of the Istanbul Convention and the adoption of legislation on hate crime. They encouraged authorities to address shortcomings identified by OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission.
2022: Survey on unification
A 2022 survey during the Russian invasion of Ukraine indicated that only 11% of Romania's population supports an immediate union with Moldova.
2022: Amnesty International Report
According to Amnesty International's 2022/23 report, there was no visible progress in reducing instances of torture in detention, impunity continued for past human rights violations, and new restrictions on public assemblies were introduced in Moldova. The rights of LGBTI people were not fully realised, leading to cases of harassment and violence.
2022: Healthcare Data in Moldova
According to the most recent 2022 official data, Moldova had 48.4 doctors and 91 units of average medical staff per 10,000 inhabitants.
2022: Urbanization and Life Expectancy
As of 2022, 43.4% of Moldovans lived in urban areas, the population density was 82.8 inhabitants per 1 km, and the average life expectancy was 71.5 years.
2022: Life expectancy and fertility rate in Moldova
As of 2022, the average life expectancy in Moldova was 71.5 years, and the total fertility rate per woman was 1.69.
2022: Education statistics
As of the academic year 2022, Moldova had 1,218 primary and secondary schools, 90 vocational schools, and 21 higher education institutions, as well as 12 private higher education institutions.
2022: Agriculture Production
Between 2015 and 2022, agricultural production almost doubled, particularly in vegetable and fruit production.
2022: Increased emigration
By 2022, 43,000 more people left Moldova than came into the country.
2022: Electricity Imports from Romania
In 2022, Moldova began importing electricity from Romania, reducing the need to buy electricity produced from Russian gas in Transnistria.
2022: Emigration and Fertility Rates
In 2022, Moldova experienced long-term population decline due to emigration, with 43,000 more people leaving the country than arriving. The average number of children per woman was 1.69.
2022: Moldova's Human Development Index Ranking
In 2022, Moldova ranked 76th in the world in terms of the Human Development Index.
2022: Membership application to the EU
In 2022, Moldova submitted a formal membership application to the European Union, pursuing closer ties.
2022: Improvement in Corruption Perceptions and Press Freedom
In 2022, Moldova's Corruption Perceptions Index improved to 39 points from 34 in 2020, according to Transparency International. Reporters Without Borders also improved Moldova's Press Freedom Index ranking from 89th in 2020 to 40th in 2022.
2022: Moldovan diaspora in Germany
In 2022, the Moldovan diaspora in Germany was estimated to be 122,000 people.
2022: Broadcasting Licenses Removed
In 2022, the Moldovan government revoked the broadcasting licenses of six television stations for spreading pro-Russian propaganda and disinformation.
2022: Religious Demographics Estimated
In 2022, the United States Department of State estimated religious demographics in Moldova, with 7% identifying with no religion.
2022: Human Rights Report of the United States Department of State
In 2022, the United States Department of State's Human Rights Report noted slow progress in investigating human rights abuses and corruption committed by officials in Moldova. Several former high-level officials, including former President Igor Dodon, were indicted and detained, but none of these cases resulted in conviction by year's end.
2022: Overall number of deaths in 2022
In 2022, the overall number of deaths in Moldova fell by 20.5% compared to 2021.
2022: Increase in Foreign Visitors
In the first quarter of 2022, Moldova saw an increase in foreign visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels, going from 31,000 tourists in 2019 to 36,100 tourists in 2022.
February 2023: Russia Cancels Decree on Moldova's Sovereignty
In February 2023, Russia canceled a 2012 decree underpinning Moldova's sovereignty.
February 2023: Law Introducing Criminal Penalties for Separatism
On 2 February 2023, Moldova passed a law introducing criminal penalties for separatism, including prison terms, and also covers penalties for financing and inciting separatism, plotting against Moldova, and collecting information that could harm the country's sovereignty.
March 2023: Memorandum on Enhancing Moldova's Security Sector Resilience
On 29 March 2023, a memorandum outlined the aim of the EU Partnership Mission to enhance the resilience of Moldova's security sector in crisis management, cybersecurity, and countering foreign information manipulation. The mission's initial mandate is for two years, comprising up to 40 police, customs, and judicial officials.
March 2023: Romanian as the official language
As of March 2023, Romanian became the only official language of Moldova, with amendments made to the constitution and legal bills to reflect this change, replacing references to the Moldovan language.
April 2023: EU Partnership Mission in Moldova
On April 24, 2023, the European Union established a Partnership Mission in Moldova through its Common Security and Defence Policy, aiming to support the Moldovan government in countering hybrid threats following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
May 2023: Moldova Suspends Participation in CIS
In May 2023, the Moldovan government announced the immediate suspension of its participation in the Commonwealth of Independent States.
June 2023: Poland sends Military Equipment
In June 2023, Poland sent military equipment worth €8 million, including drones, laptops, explosive ordnance disposal equipment, and ultrasound equipment, to the Moldovan police to increase the country's internal security.
June 2023: Pride Parade in Chișinău
On 18 June 2023, approximately 500 LGBT activists and supporters held a Pride parade in Chișinău, requiring no heavy police cordons for protection, a first in the city.
June 2023: EU Announces Support and Investment Program
On 28 June 2023, the European Union announced a €1.6 billion support and investment program for Moldova, as well as confirming reductions in the price of mobile data and voice roaming charges in Moldova by European and Moldovan telecoms operators, as well as Moldova joining the EU's joint gas purchase platform. On 27 June, Moldova signed a comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association.
June 2023: End of Russian Gas Imports
As of June 2023, Moldova no longer imports oil or natural gas from Russia and has been granted access to the European Union's joint gas purchasing platform.
July 2023: Thanking of Ilan Shor by Evghenia Guțul
In July 2023, Gagauzia's leader, Evghenia Guțul, thanked the fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor for his personal and financial support.
July 2023: Moldova Removes Itself from CIS Interparliamentary Assembly
In July 2023, Moldova passed legislation removing it from membership in the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly.
July 2023: Seed Libraries Network
In July 2023, a network of 20 seed libraries comprising over 1,000 seeds was created across Moldova to improve agricultural biodiversity and climate resilience.
July 2023: Moldova Expels Russian Diplomats
In July 2023, the Moldovan government summoned the Russian ambassador Oleg Vasnetsov to Moldova and expelled 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff due to "hostile actions".
October 2023: Banning of Media Outlets
In October 2023, Orizont TV, ITV, Prime, Publika TV, Canal 2 and Canal 3 were banned for undermining the local elections. Additionally, TASS and Interfax were blocked.
December 2023: EU Accession Talks Begin
Accession talks between Moldova and the EU began on 13 December 2023.
2023: Fast and Inexpensive Internet
As of 2023, Internet in Moldova is among the fastest and least expensive in the world, ranking 3rd in the world by gigabit coverage.
2023: Freedom House Ranks Moldova
In 2023, Freedom House ranked Moldova as a "partly free" country with a score of 62/100, noting that while freedoms of assembly, speech, and religion are mostly protected, pervasive corruption and deficiencies in the justice sector continue to hamper democratic governance.
2023: Moldova's Press Freedom Index Ranking Improves
In 2023, Reporters Without Borders improved Moldova's Press Freedom Index ranking to 28th.
2023: IMF Prediction
In 2023, the IMF predicted that the Moldovan economy would improve from a 1.5% contraction to a 1.5% growth.
January 2024: Population Estimate
As of 1 January 2024, Moldova has an estimated population of approximately 2,423,300.
November 2024: Maia Sandu Re-elected
In November 2024 presidential election, President Maia Sandu was re-elected with 55% of the vote in the run-off.
November 2024: Moldova's EU Referendum and Presidential Election
In November 2024, Moldova held a referendum on joining the EU, with a narrow 50.17% voting "yes". Simultaneously, Maia Sandu received 42% of the vote in the presidential election, leading to a run-off on 3 November 2024 against Alexandr Stoianoglo, who garnered 26%. Maia Sandu alleged "unprecedented" outside interference in the referendum.
2024: Referendum on Joining the EU Planned
A referendum on joining the EU is planned for autumn 2024, there will be no voting stations in Transnistria, however residents there will be free to travel into other areas of Moldova to vote, should they wish to.
2024: Ethnic composition
According to the 2024 national census, ethnic Moldovans made up approx. 77% of the country's population, while Romanians (8%), Ukrainians (5%), Gagauzians (4%), and Russians (3%) made up the most substantial ethnic minorities.
2024: Moldova's Global Innovation Index Ranking
As of 2024, Moldova ranks 68th in the world on the Global Innovation Index.
2024: 5G Rollout Consideration
Moldova is considering a bid to begin rolling out 5G in 2024, with testing having begun in 2019.
2024: National Census
The most recent national census of Moldova was carried out in 2024 (not including Transnistria).
2024: 2024 Moldovan Census Results
The results of the 2024 census showed the preferred languages reported as Moldovan (49.2%), Romanian (31.3%), Russian (11.1%), Gagauz (3.8%), Ukrainian (2.9%), Bulgarian (1.2%), Romani (0.3%), and others (0.2%).
January 2025: New Cyber Security Legislation
New cybersecurity legislation, partially drafted by the Moldova Cybersecurity Rapid Assistance Unit, will go into effect on 1 January 2025.
2025: Improved connectivity completion
By 2025, improved connectivity between Moldova and Romania will be completed.
2028: Full effect of retirement age reform
The retirement age reform approved in December 2016 will be fully in effect in 2028, gradually increasing the retirement age.
2030: Target Date for EU Accession
Moldova has set 2030 as the target date for EU Accession.
2030: Targeted EU Accession Date
On 23 June 2022, Moldova was officially granted candidate status by EU leaders and The United Nations Development Programme is also providing assistance to Moldova in implementing the necessary reforms for full accession by 2030.
2035: Projected population
By 2035, the total population of Moldova may be half what it was in 1990.
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