Moldova's NATO Aspirations Face Roadblocks
Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi has cast doubt on the country's prospects for joining NATO, pointing to a lack of majority public support as a major obstacle. Recent polls show 54.5% of Moldovans oppose NATO membership, while only 33.6% are in favor. Popșoi emphasized that
“joining NATO, like any other international structure, depends on the will of our citizens. If there were broad support, it could be considered a serious possibility. In our case, that support does not exist.”
Moldova's constitution enshrines a neutral status, which further complicates any shift in foreign policy. The security landscape is also affected by the Transnistria region, home to over 220,000 ethnic Russians. In April of this year, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu warned that Moscow could take 'any measures' to 'protect' Russians there, raising alarms in Chișinău.
NATO Partnership and Shifting Foreign Policy
Popșoi, who previously worked at NATO's center in Chișinău, described the alliance as a symbol of security for him personally. In March 2026, he met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss security and cooperation. Despite the challenges, Moldova continues to partner with NATO through joint security programs and projects. The minister has urged civil society and the media to discuss NATO more openly in order to
“break the taboo.”
Moldova is also set to formally leave the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in April 2027, signaling a broader reorientation of its foreign policy. The security situation and external policy direction remain pressing issues for Moldovans, who hold diverse views on potential NATO membership.
The question of NATO membership for Moldova highlights the delicate balance between domestic public opinion and external security threats. Given the strong opposition among citizens, the government and politicians must find ways to better inform and engage the public on this critical topic. At the same time, foreign policy shifts—such as the planned exit from the CIS—may indicate Moldova's desire for closer integration with the West, a move that will also require public backing.
As Moldova navigates its aspirations for NATO membership, the nation is also making significant strides towards EU integration. The government's recent announcement of its full readiness for EU accession talks across all sectors reflects a broader shift in foreign policy that may influence public sentiment regarding security alliances. This dual approach highlights the complexities Moldova faces in balancing its international relationships while addressing domestic concerns.