The Republic of Moldova has announced its intention to formally withdraw from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with the exit set for April 8, 2027. This decision was confirmed by Moldova’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi, who stated that the legal process for the withdrawal has already commenced.
According to Minister Popșoi, the notification of withdrawal was sent to the CIS Secretariat in Minsk following the signing and publication of the relevant agreements in the Official Gazette. He emphasized that, from a legal perspective, Moldova will cease to be a member of the CIS one year after this notification.
“On April 8 of next year, from a legal and formal standpoint, we will no longer be members of the CIS,”
Popșoi remarked. He further noted that, in practical terms, Moldova’s relationship with the CIS has been effectively non-existent for several years. The minister pointed out that the country has not participated in political events or meetings organized by the CIS that do not align with Moldova’s national interests.
This decision to withdraw was initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and received parliamentary support during a second reading on April 2. On April 9, President Maia Sandu signed decrees to denounce the foundational agreements of the CIS, a move that aligns with the government’s previous approval on March 11 to terminate these agreements.
However, it is important to note that Moldova will need to settle outstanding debts amounting to €100,000 incurred while being a member of the CIS before the official exit.
Moldova is set to officially leave the Commonwealth of Independent States by April 2027, following a decision supported by both the government and parliament. The country has not engaged with the CIS in recent years, indicating a shift in its foreign policy priorities.