Leaders from France, Germany, and Poland have travelled to Moldova to show support for the country's accession to the EU and warn of Russia's relentless efforts to undermine that ambition.
The visit comes as Moldova marks 34 years of independence from Moscow, declared as the Soviet Union fell apart.
But it is also taking place a month before critical parliamentary elections in which the EU and the Moldovan government fear pro-Russian elements could gain ground.
Flanked by European heads of state, Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu told her country that it proved EU membership was not a distant dream, but a project we are working on, one that is vital as a guarantee of security.
The merciless war that Russia wages against Ukraine shows us daily that Europe means freedom and peace, whilst Putin's Russia means war and death, the president said.
Ukraine is close by, just across the border.
Last year Sandu called a referendum on enshrining the goal of EU membership in the constitution. The yes vote narrowly won.
Shortly after that vote, the president, who went to Harvard and used to work for the World Bank, won a second term after a tense second round.
Today, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Moscow is trying relentlessly to undermine freedom and prosperity in Moldova, as Vladimir Putin attempts to return it to Russia's influence.
In response, Sandu is focused on forging strong relations with Europe.
In Chisinau she laid out the red carpet for her guests, emphasizing her endorsement of EU aspirations.
Macron and Tusk reiterated their support and the historical significance of Moldova’s journey towards EU integration.
As Moldova looks forward to the elections next month, it is clear that its path to EU membership and stability is both critical and at risk.
