Moldova will complete its official withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in April 2027. Mihai Popsoi who serves as the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs chief announced that the essential notification had been dispatched to the organization base in Minsk.

The formal process commenced when President Maia Sandu enacted the decisions which the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova had made. The legislative actions which the Parliament enacted declared that the nation would not participate in fundamental CIS treaties.

The official withdrawal announcement reached the CIS Executive Committee on April 8 and the committee acknowledged that it had received the document. The organization requires all members to complete their exit procedures within 12 months starting from the date that they submit official withdrawal documents.

President Sandu has authorized Moldova to stop participating in all fundamental treaties which include the CIS Charter the Alma-Ata Declaration and the Commonwealth’s founding act. Moldova will continue to participate in certain economic agreements after its departure especially the free trade zone agreement.

A Strategic Shift Toward European Integration

The relationship between Moldova and the CIS has undergone significant changes since President Sandu won the election in 2020. The current administration follows a new international policy which aims to achieve total European Union membership.

The Moldovan government has decreased its attendance at Commonwealth summits because of their new priorities. The Moldovan Presidency has maintained its commitment to European integration which serves to distance the country from its past Soviet connections. 

The official separation process has been proceeding for a long time. The Moldovan government announced its plan to end all CIS treaties through its February 2023 declaration which included 120 specific treaties for examination and abolition.