Finland Reaffirms Support for Moldova and the Transnistrian Settlement Process

Moldova remains a key focus for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as Finland’s Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Elina Valtonen, emphasized during a joint press conference with Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi. Valtonen reiterated Finland's commitment to advancing the Transnistrian settlement process, supporting Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES

Popșoi highlighted discussions on regional security, the Transnistrian issue, and the energy crisis affecting the left bank of the Dniester. He underlined Moldova’s support for Finland’s OSCE mandate and called for the withdrawal of Russian military troops and ammunition from Moldovan territory. He noted that such a move would positively influence reintegration efforts and emphasized the humanitarian challenges faced by the population amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Valtonen commended Moldova's progress on its European path and congratulated the country on the results of the 2024 elections. She pledged Finland’s support in addressing Moldova’s critical energy crisis, criticizing Gazprom’s decision to halt gas supplies to the Transnistrian region as a threat to regional stability. Valtonen also announced her intention to meet with Tiraspol leaders to support dialogue and promote a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Transnistrian conflict.

Moldova joined the OSCE in January 1992, maintaining its commitment to European security and cooperation.