Moldova’s Future Belongs to Its People, Free from Foreign Interference   The European People’s Party (EPP) reiterates its full support for the Republic of Moldova as the country prepares for parliamentary elections that will define its future path and European course.   These elections are not only about Moldova’s prosperity, values, freedom, and democracy, but also about safeguarding the European choice made by Moldovan citizens one year ago. The people of Moldova, especially the young generation, must now unite to defend this choice in the face of unprecedented Russian interference.   Russia is making an unprecedented effort to derail Moldova’s democratic process through bribery, vote-buying, intimidation, disinformation campaigns, and plans for orchestrated violence and attempts at destabilising the country. Such interference and attempts to capture the country through its pro-Russian proxies in Moldova represents a grave threat not only to Moldova’s sovereignty but also to the security of the entire region and the European Union. Wherever the Kremlin installs puppet governments — in Belarus, in Georgia — the result has been dictatorship, massive corruption, economic stagnation, and political persecution. The position of Moldova is critical in the region, and only a democratic, pro-European government can ensure peace and stability.   The EPP strongly commends President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean for their tireless efforts and resilience in defending Moldova’s democracy and ensuring that elections are conducted according to the rules. The authorities have held up remarkably well under enormous pressure, by demasking Russian-led corruption and vote-buying schemes and are doing everything possible to guarantee that the people can express their choice freely on the election day.   We moreover congratulate the government for completing the EU screening process in record time, a major achievement that now allows the country to begin cluster negotiations. This milestone confirms Moldova as a success story of European integration and demonstrates the capacity of the pro-European leadership to deliver.   The Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) remains the only political force capable of leading Moldova into the European Union and is Europe’s trusted partner in this effort. The EPP reaffirms that Moldova’s place is in the European family and that Europe will remain at the side of Moldovan citizens throughout this journey. On Sunday, only the people of Moldova must be able to decide their future, free from any foreign interference.