What Moldova Matters is (and Who it’s For)
Moldova Matters is an independent, English-language publication covering Moldovan politics, economics, and regional affairs - and explaining why they matter.
We produce:
A Weekly Roundup of the most important developments in Moldova
Independent reporting and analysis on Moldovan politics and the economy
Contextual articles written for an international audience
Since launching in February 2021, Moldova Matters has grown into the leading English-language source of news and analysis on Moldova.
Who Writes this Newsletter?
This newsletter is primarily written and edited by me, David Smith. Originally from Virginia, I’ve lived in Moldova for the last 13 years. In that time I’ve worked in international development, run a series of small companies, co-founded what is now the largest cross sectoral small business association in the country and started this newsletter. In August 2025 President Maia Sandu saw fit to make me a Moldovan citizen, making official what I have known for a while - that this small but fascinating country is home.
For more about my story and the experience that undergirds this newsletter see:
Moldova Matters is Trusted by Professionals
Moldova Matters is widely read by journalists, diplomats, policymakers, and analysts working on Eastern Europe.
Moldova Matters’ reporting has been cited by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS) and major international media outlets and policy institutions including, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Het Financieele Dagblad, Radio Europa Liberă Moldova (RFE/RL), Open Democracy Russia, the United States Institute of Peace, and Emerging Europe.
If you’re a journalist and you’d like to cite Moldova Matters in your publication check out these guidelines.
Contributor Policy
While I write most Moldova Matters content, I’ve had the pleasure to publish guest contributions from time to time. If you’re a subject matter expert and would like to write for Moldova Matters get in contact here.
Engagement and Events
I regularly do speaking events that range from public conferences to closed-door briefings. If you or your organization is looking for a speaker to discuss Moldovan current affairs, political or economic analysis or more please reach out!
Consulting, Advisory and Research
If you need an expert on Moldova reach out and let’s talk. In addition to writing Moldova Matters I consult for companies and organizations interested in better understanding the Moldovan market or regulatory framework. I’ve also built teams to produce research products and analysis - both public and private.
Here are some selected publications and policy outputs:
Watchdog Moldova - Externally Facing Influence Campaigns: An analysis of cross border influence operations targeting Western policymakers (Feb 2026)
Kennan Institute – Kennan Cable No. 70: Landslide Victory for Reformists in Moldova (July 2021)
Lead Author / Editor – Moldova Small Business Handbook (2023)
Author / Lead Editor – White Book of SMEs 2024
Lead Drafter – Moldovan SME Code of Ethics (2023)
Euractiv (2024) – Moldova correspondent under European Media and Information Fund (EMIF) project
Getting in Contact
Getting in contact is really easy. Either:
Reply to any Moldova Matters email
Email me at editor@moldovamatters.md
