We must combat Russian propaganda in Moldova, says Moldovan foreign minister | Radio Schuman

Moldova needs to push back against Russian propaganda in its attempt to tread the path to EU membership, the country's foreign minister has told Euronews in an exclusive interview to Euronews's Sergio Cantone, which Radio Schuman features today.

Moldova applied to join the EU in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the country has set 2030 as a target to join the bloc.

But its population is sharply divided between those with EU aspirations, and those who identify more closely with Russia, which has supported Moldova’s Transnistria since the eastern region declared its independence 30 years ago.

Earlier this month, Moldova's pro-Western incumbent president Maia Sandu won a second term in a race that was marred by claims of Russian interference, voter fraud and intimidation. The EU also held its breath when Moldovans voted in favour of EU membership by only a razor-thin majority of 50.35%.

The country’s foreign affairs minister Mihai Popşoi spoke to Euronews while in Brussels this week for meetings with his European counterparts and MEPs to discuss progress along Moldova’s path to the EU.

We also give a quick overview at the agenda today, with pivotal events behind closed doors among political group presidents at the European Parliament.

On the last part of the show, Radio Schuman looks at which places in Europe are best and worst at speaking English.

Radio Schuman is hosted and produced by Maïa de la Baume, with journalist and production assistant Eleonora Vasques, audio editing by Zacharia Vigneron and Georgios Leivaditis. Music by Alexandre Jas.