Could Romania Annex Moldova Without Transnistria with the Consent of Moldova?

One of the most pressing questions regarding the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe today pertains to the possibility of Romania annexing Moldova. Many wonder if Romania can proceed without the strategic region of Transnistria and the consent of Moldova itself. This article aims to provide clarity on this topic by examining Romania's stance, historical context, and the role of international organizations.

Historical Context: Romania and Moldova

Romania, a member of the European Union since 2007, has a long history with Moldova. Both nations share a linguistic and cultural heritage as part of the Romanian speaking world. However, the current political and territorial landscape is more complex, especially in light of the presence of Transnistria and international commitments.

Romania's Stance: No Interest in Annexation

Former Romanian President Traian B?sescu addressed concerns about potential annexation during a session with Russian parliamentarian Yuri Solonin on January 27, 2011. In a remarkable statement, B?sescu clarified Romania's intentions, stating:

“Please note that Romania has no experience in annexing other states.”

This statement was in response to concerns raised by Solonin in Russian media regarding rumors of Romanian political elites aiming to annex Moldova. B?sescu further elucidated Romania's position by emphasizing:

“Romania’s objective in regards to Moldova is for it to become when it will be ready a member state of the EU. And as a tactical objective, we have a priority in convincing our EU partners to look at Moldova's integration process simultaneously with that of the Western Balkans countries.”

These statements indicate that Romania's primary goal remains fostering Moldova's path to EU membership, instead of pursuing territorial expansion.

Role of International Organizations

While Romania wishes for Moldova's EU integration, it must navigate the interests of NATO and the European Union. Annexing Moldova without the consent of these organizations would be a significant breach of international protocols. Therefore, any idea of annexation by Romania without these entities' approval is not feasible.

Furthermore, Romania's own experience in navigating international relations and geopolitical challenges suggests that such actions could have severe diplomatic repercussions. Romania's history, though marked with conflicts and annexations in the past, has led it to adopt a more cautious and cooperative approach in contemporary times.

Transnistria: A Key Geographic and Political Issue

The presence of Transnistria complicates any potential discussion of Romania annexing Moldova. Transnistria is a de facto independent state along the eastern border of Moldova, recognized by no other countries. Its significance lies primarily in its strategic importance, though economically it is not as significant as some might believe.

Several key points are relevant here:

Transnistria's area is approximately 4,200 square kilometers, with a population of around 350,000 people. Economically, while Transnistria has direct trade with Romania, it is not a central economic driver in Moldova as a region's strategic importance lies more in geopolitical considerations rather than economic utility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Romania's stance on annexing Moldova without Transnistria and the consent of Moldova itself remains firmly against any such action. The country prioritizes Moldova's path to EU membership and adheres to the international legal framework and cooperation with NATO and the EU. The presence of Transnistria and the need for consensus make any unilateral annexation highly improbable.

Romania's historical evolution, current international commitments, and strategic approach to regional cooperation underscore a peaceful and diplomatic route to achieving closer ties with Moldova.