At the initiative of Luxembourg’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, a Benelux delegation travelled to Moldova on Monday, just one month ahead of parliamentary elections that may shift Moldova's political course.

The visit took place against the backdrop of intensified efforts by Moscow to exert political influence over the small republic between Romania and Ukraine.

In Chisinau, Xavier Bettel, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, and Heleen Bakker, Director-General for European Cooperation at the Dutch Foreign Ministry, assured the Moldovan government of their full support on its undoubtedly challenging path towards EU membership.

The delegation underlined that Moldova must be free to determine its own future and praised the reforms of recent years aimed at bringing the country closer to the European Union. These assurances were voiced both in talks with President Maia Sandu and in meetings with Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi.

The Benelux representatives also met with members of Moldovan civil society, only two days before the former Soviet republic celebrates the 34th anniversary of its independence on its national holiday.

The visit comes just one month before elections that will determine whether President Sandu can continue her liberal, pro-European course or whether Eurosceptic and pro-Russian parties will gain the power to block her agenda in parliament.