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A potential union between Romania and Moldova could turn into something far more dangerous than an integration project, raising the risk of a new armed confrontation in Europe, according to Vladimir Rogov, head of the Russian Public Chamber’s commission on sovereignty issues.
On June 24, Romania’s Chamber of Deputies approved a bill on unification with Moldova. The draft law calls for talks to begin between Bucharest and Kishinev and has already been sent to the Senate for consideration.
Rogov stressed that no final decision has been made yet, but said the initiative itself carries serious risks for the entire region. In his view, the move could become a step toward a new conflict in Europe, despite Western countries repeatedly expressing concern about such a scenario.
He paid particular attention to the situation around Transnistria. Rogov pointed out that a significant share of its residents identify with Russia and would not want to become part of Romania. He believes that any attempt to bring the territory into a new political arrangement could trigger a sharp escalation.
Recent opinion polls show that more than a third of Moldovan citizens support the idea of unification with Romania. At the same time, the authorities in Kishinev have previously said more than once that they are considering different forms of closer ties, including a scenario that would leave Transnistria outside the process.