On Wednesday, August 27th, Moldova celebrated Independence Day. This day marks 34 years since parliament adopted the nation’s Declaration of Independence and broke away from the Soviet Union.
The holiday was marked by a historic visit of 3 European leaders to Chisinau - French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. They met with President Sandu and attended Independence Day events.
Speaking at a joint press conference, President Sandu spoke of the significance of their visit saying:
"Your presence here – France, Germany, Poland – shows not only support for Moldova, but also the fact that the European project continues, and we are part of it."
The visiting leaders gave remarks supporting Moldova’s EU path, praising the progress the nation has made and pledging continued support. Chancellor Merz noted that Russia had not congratulated1 Moldova on its Independence "because Russia wants Moldova back in its sphere of influence."
President Macron also announced a joint French-Moldovan collaboration to restore 2 historical buildings in downtown Chisinau. One of them, the Villa Herța, was the subject of a JournoBirds article from last year about Moldova’s hidden, and often decaying, historical sites.






President Sandu also put out a video addressing Moldovans on the occasion of Independence Day. In it she stated:
"Everything you do means Moldova. When you feel safe, Moldova is safe. When you act freely and independently, Moldova is free and independent. When you choose the right path, Moldova is on the right path. Moldova lives through you. Through every hand that works. Through every heart that loves. We forge the path of Moldova."
You can watch the video on Youtube here:
90,000 Attend Independence Day Concert
On the evening of August 27th a concert was held in Chisinau’s central square to mark the holiday. President Sandu appeared on stage beside Emmanuel Macron, Donald Tusk and Friedrich Merz and they each briefly addressed the crowd. President Sandu stated:
“Dear friends, 34 years ago, also here, in this Square, together with many of you and together with your parents and grandparents, we were happy, we were amazed that the Republic of Moldova had become free again. (…)
These 34 years have not been easy. We have gone through hardships, but we have learned and grown together, and today we are proud of our achievements. We have shown that we are brave, that we are not afraid. (…)
It is our duty to our parents and grandparents, who regained their freedom, and it is our duty to our youth and children to build a European Moldova, a free Moldova. A Moldova in which each of us knows that we are protected, knows that we can develop, grow, flourish. (…)
Let's take care of our country! Let's love it every day, let's guard it, let's protect it. Happy birthday, Moldova! "
Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke to the crowd in English stating:
“Our common goal is the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union.
The European Union is not perfect and, yes, it is sometimes complicated. But the European Union has fulfilled its promise of peace, freedom and prosperity in Europe. I don't even want to imagine where our countries – Poland, France and Germany – would be today, both politically and economically, if the European Union had not existed.
The three of us – Emmanuel Macron, Donald Tusk and I – are here to say that we see Moldova as a close partner in this common European project. You are part of the European family.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk surprised the crowd and made his remarks in Romanian saying:
“Dear friends, today we celebrate your independence, the day you chose freedom and dignity over fear and foreign domination. And I, as a Pole, understand what that means. Poland too has known occupation and dictatorship, and we have paid a heavy price for our freedom, but we have learned a truth: when a people is united and courageous, no empire can defeat it.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also addressed the crowd in Romanian, garnering cheers from those gathered, saying:
"I have come to convey to you the message of friendship from the French people, who admire your fight for democracy and justice!" (…)
"Tomorrow, our European Union will be stronger together with Moldova, and Moldova will also be stronger and more prosperous in Europe. Together, we will write a new chapter in the history of Moldova and Europe."
Police report that 90,000 people attended the concert and that there were no incidents during the events. They also noted that police actions had foiled multiple attempts to disrupt independence day events, including organized groups who sought to block streets and prevent motorcades from passing. Police detained 90 people, including one of the leaders of a Shor-linked party, that they allege were part of these efforts.
Analysis - A Historic Day
The presence of 3 European leaders of this stature in Chisinau for a holiday is unprecedented. Their visit, plus a planned visit by Romanian President Nicușor Dan for Romanian Language Day on August 31st, are clearly designed as a huge show of support for President Maia Sandu and the PAS Party. The message from Europe is clear - stay the course and you will join the EU.
This visit underlines the foreign policy successes of the PAS government which removed Moldova from a self imposed isolation2 and brought the country onto the world stage. That prominence was also on display in India as the Qutub Minar in New Delhi was illuminated with the Moldovan flag in celebration of Independence Day.

The Qutub Minar is the tallest brick tower in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moldovan Ambassador to India, Ana Taban, only recently opened the diplomatic post in December 2024. She posted these pictures on her facebook page writing that “This symbolic gesture reflects the warm friendship between the Republic of Moldova and India.”
The statements of visiting leaders, and their presence in Chisinau, highlight how important the European Union views Moldova’s coming elections. Unprecedented shows of support like this are meant to create moments that cut through the incessant propaganda and disinformation to highlight that Moldova has friends and a future in Europe… if the voters want it.
Another notable absence was Romanian President Nicușor Dan. While Romania officially congratulated Moldova on Independence Day, the Romanian President broke with recent tradition and did not himself make any public statements. Reporting from the Romanian press has indicated that this was a deliberate statement of Unionism. So, for different reasons, both modern and historical, both Russian and Romanian leaders have issues with celebrating Moldovan independence.
Nicușor Dan did not join the other EU leaders on this trip as part of a pre-agreed strategy. He will come to Moldova on August 31st, Romanian Language Day, the 36th anniversary of the reinstatement of Romanian as the national language.
While President, Igor Dodon limited his foreign trips almost exclusively to Moscow, with occasional visits to Minsk… if Putin was also there.