Foreign Policy Newsletter 02/240, February 2026: The Transnistrian File – The Ball and Chain Tied to Chisinau’s Foot on Its Road to Brussels

The current edition of the Foreign Policy Bulletin examines from multiple perspectives whether the Transnistrian issue will be settled before the Republic of Moldova accedes to the European Union, or whether it will remain unresolved—an equation still marked by many unknowns. The newsletter explores possible settlement scenarios for this long-standing dispute, which has persisted for over three decades, as well as the interests and positions of the key actors involved in the process.

In an interview given to the Foreign Policy Bulletin, award-winning analyst and decorated diplomat with 20 years of experience, Balazs Jarabik, explains his vision regarding the possibilities of resolving the frozen conflict in Transnistria in a highly turbulent international context. Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Valeriu Chiveri, explains why it is important for the reintegration process to be accelerated but not forced, noting that this is already occurring de facto, as companies on the left bank of the Dniester pay import and export duties to Chișinău, and many citizens from the left bank work and use the healthcare system on the right bank. At the same time, TVR Moldova journalist Madalin Necsutu explains in his editorial why the Transnistrian issue can also represent an opportunity for the EU, not just a problem, and how the Union can demonstrate political leadership—alongside the use of its funds—in resolving this issue and potentially capitalizing on this precedent afterward. Last but not least, the Program Director of the European Institute for Political Studies in Moldova, Viorica Țicu, explains how Russia instrumentalizes “sharp power” in the Transnistrian issue through a policy of “controlled freezing,” more closely aligned with elements of hybrid warfare.

Download the full version of the newsletter HERE.