The Parliament of Moldova, in its first reading, supported the termination of the agreement on the establishment of the CIS, as well as related documents and the organization's charter.
This was reported by the Moldovan state news agency Moldpres.
It is noted that the denunciation of the agreement was initiated by the country's foreign ministry. They justified it by the fact that the CIS principles of “mutual respect for territorial integrity” are no longer observed. The ministry mentioned the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, aggression against Georgia, and the presence of Russian troops in Moldova itself on the territory of unrecognized Transnistria.
Speaking to parliamentarians, Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said that the CIS has lost its meaning and has effectively become an instrument of Kremlin influence. According to him, leaving the organization is a logical step on the path to Chisinau's accession to the European Union.
“This 'suitcase without a handle' – as one of the former presidents called it – did not bring us prosperity, did not protect our sovereignty, did not provide us with security. On the contrary: it (the CIS – ed.) kept us in a gray zone, made us vulnerable to energy, political and military blackmail,” said the head of Moldovan diplomacy.
At the same time, the opposition criticized the decision. MPs warn of possible economic consequences, including for trade with CIS countries and citizens working there. They also believe that it could complicate international cooperation.
The opposition criticized the decision. Deputies fear possible economic consequences, in particular for trade with CIS countries. They also warned of the violation of the interests of Moldovan citizens working there.
If the final withdrawal from the CIS bodies is approved, the Moldovan budget will save approximately $180,000, which is spent on annual contributions for participation in the organization. At the same time, the country plans to maintain cooperation with the CIS states in a bilateral format, and it will also remain a party to some agreements, primarily in the social and economic spheres.
Over the past two years, Moldova has canceled 71 of 283 agreements within the CIS, and almost 60 more are under consideration. The final decision to withdraw from the organization is to be considered by Moldovan parliamentarians in the second reading.
The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a regional international organization in Asia and Eastern Europe that includes a number of post-Soviet countries.
The process of Moldova's withdrawal from the CIS was initiated by the country's government in January 2026.