Maia Sandu: Key Presidential Decisions that Transformed Moldova – via Știrinoi.com

Since assuming office in December 2020 and securing her second term in November 2024, President Maia Sandu has enacted a series of landmark decisions with tangible effects on Moldova’s democracy, security, and economy. We present her most influential initiatives—from anti-corruption to EU integration—and examines how they have reshaped the country's trajectory.

1. Strengthening Anti-corruption Measures

A standout initiative was the establishment of the Anti‑Corruption Court in March 2023, a critical requirement for EU accession . As a result, Moldova rose in the Corruption Perceptions Index, from 32 to 43 between 2020 and 2024 . Additionally, the creation of the Independent Consultative Committee in June 2021 brought transparency to anti-corruption enforcement .

2. Judicial Reforms and European Support

In April 2021, Sandu signed, together with the Council of Europe, a €13.7 million Action Plan (2021–2024) aimed at modernizing the justice system and safeguarding human rights.Transparency International and MONEYVAL reports confirmed notable improvements .

3. Advancing European Integration

Under her leadership, Moldova obtained EU candidate status in June 2022; accession negotiations kicked off in February 2024 . In October 2024, a watershed constitutional referendum enshrined the EU membership goal — passed amid a heated campaign and accusations of Russian interference .

4. Energy Security & Regional Cooperation

Sandu notably reduced Moldova’s energy dependence on Russia: the country synchronized its power grid with Europe (2022) and pursued an energy-market integration roadmap for 2028 . At the EPC Summit 2023, Moldova received a €87 million EU security & logistics package, including drone and EOD support .

5. Western Reorientation

Under Sandu’s presidency, Moldova deepened diplomatic ties with the EU, USA, and Romania. Key moves included vaccine donations from Romania during the pandemic and coordinated crisis responses . Amid the war in Ukraine, Sandu stood firm against Russian hybrid tactics, including cyberattacks and disinformation .

Interesting Facts

Domain	Notable Achievements
Anti‑corruption	Anti‑Corruption Court created; CPI rose to 43
EU Integration	Candidate status in 2022, negotiations 2024, referendum
Energy Strategy	Network synchronization 2022, EU energy roadmap 2028
CoE Reform Plan	€13.7 million Action Plan 2021–2024
Diaspora Influence	Won elections 2024 through overseas votes

Opinions & Analysis

• International bodies (TI, CoE): hail increased transparency, rule-of-law bolstering .

• Geopolitical analysts (CFR, Carnegie): laud Moldova’s enhanced global profile and reduced Russian leverage .

• Moldovan diaspora: their mobilization played a decisive role in the pro‑EU outcome 

• Internal critics: some express frustration over the pace of reforms and ongoing political deadlocks .

Conclusion

President Maia Sandu has orchestrated profound reform in anti-corruption, judicial integrity, energy independence, and European integration. Her decisiveness has improved Moldova’s institutions, strengthened democracy, and enhanced sovereignty.