Moldova strengthens European image: high standard at Council of Europe

The Republic of Moldova has demonstrated a strong commitment to European values and has set a high standard through the activities carried out during its presidency of the Council of Europe, said Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in the Republic of Moldova. In an exclusive interview for MOLDPRES, the official pointed out that the number and complexity of the activities organized by the Republic of Moldova reflect the country’s capacity to promote respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy.

At the same time, the six-month mandate offers the Republic of Moldova the opportunity to demonstrate its organizational skills and its role as a facilitator of dialogue between member states.


“Through the number of activities planned and organized during the presidency, the Republic of Moldova has set a high standard, demonstrating the country’s commitment to highlighting the progress made in terms of respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy. The six-month mandate offers the opportunity to demonstrate organizational capacity, to set priorities that align with the values of the Council of Europe, and to show leadership in facilitating dialogue between member states. It is both a responsibility and an opportunity for the Republic of Moldova to demonstrate its dedication to European values throughout its presidency,” Lange stressed.




The official also highlighted the close link between the country’s European path and the commitments undertaken within the Council of Europe, noting that the two processes are complementary. In his view, the process of accession to the European Union is an important driving force for the necessary legal and democratic reforms.


“The relationship between the Republic of Moldova’s path towards integration into the European Union and its commitments to the Council of Europe is closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing. It is important to understand that we are not talking about parallel paths, but rather about complementary processes,” Lange noted.


Regarding the monitoring status of the Republic of Moldova, Lange pointed out that the decision belongs exclusively to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He also announced that PACE rapporteurs are to carry out a visit to the country in the near future, and a new report will assess the progress achieved.

Falk Lange noted the significant transformations the Republic of Moldova has undergone over the last three decades.


“Today, although there are undoubtedly still significant challenges, the Republic of Moldova presents itself as a country that has demonstrated remarkable resilience and a clear democratic conviction. Its status as an EU candidate country, its ambitious reform agenda and its unwavering commitment to European values — even in the face of considerable geopolitical pressure — demonstrate a maturity and determination that would have been difficult to fully anticipate three decades ago. The progress achieved reflects a country that not only aspires to European standards, but is actively working to meet them,” the official underlined.


Lange mentioned that the speech delivered by Maia Sandu from the PACE rostrum on 27 January 2026 contributed to increasing the visibility of the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova and to strengthening the European dialogue on the protection of democracy.

The head of state warned from the PACE podium that the Russian Federation’s military aggression against Ukraine and hybrid warfare represent the most serious threats to Europe.

“Europe is in two wars – one that destroys cities and another that erodes democracies,” Maia Sandu declared in Strasbourg.



The full interview with the Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau will be published on Tuesday, 5 May, on moldpres.md.

The Council of Europe was founded on 5 May 1949, through the signing of the Treaty of London, with its headquarters in Strasbourg. The organization was created to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe, with Winston Churchill, Konrad Adenauer and Robert Schuman among its main initiators.

The Republic of Moldova became the 36th member state of the Council of Europe on 13 July 1995, marking an important step in its integration into the European democratic space. Accession offered the country an important platform to make its voice heard at the European level and to promote the aspirations of its citizens.



The Republic of Moldova is currently holding the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, a mandate taken over on 14 November 2025 and ending on 15 May 2026. This is the second time the country has held this office, after its first presidency in 2003.

A major priority of the mandate is constant support for Ukraine, including through backing initiatives such as the operationalization of the Special Tribunal and complaint review mechanisms.

On 14 and 15 May, the Republic of Moldova will host the Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe – an event marking the end of our country’s Presidency of the organization. Over 50 delegations, including foreign ministers, are expected in Chisinau.