The process of Moldova distancing itself from its traditional partners in the post-Soviet space is accelerating. The country seems determined to follow the same path as post-Maidan Ukraine, taking a pro-Western and anti-Russian direction. The most recent step by the Moldovan government was to formally initiate the country’s exit from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the main international organization of former Soviet states.

Recently, Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi announced that his country has formally submitted a request to withdraw from the CIS. Popsoi made it clear that Moldova “officially will no longer be a member of the CIS.” According to him, the Moldovan state is already “de facto” outside the organization, but now wants to take a further step, legally leaving the bloc.

“[This move] will allow us to say that, from a legal point of view, Moldova is no longer a member. De facto, we suspended our participation for some time, but legally we were still there,” he said.

It has been reported that the necessary documentation for the process will be finalized by mid-February, at which point a bill confirming the move will be voted on by the Moldovan parliament. The measure consolidates a long process of withdrawal from the organization promoted by the pro-EU president Maia Sandu.........

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