Georgia, Moldova and Bulgaria are counting on Europe’s support to resist Russia and safeguard democracy

Street vendor selling EU flags ahead of the March for Europe in Tbilisi, October 2024. Photo: Mirko Kuzmanovic / Shutterstock

Moldova, Georgia, and Bulgaria are considered to be fragile democracies in a problematic region. Russia’s current actions threaten democratic progress in these countries, which have huge potential but are struggling to find their feet under the Kremlin’s shadow. Moscow is using all the tools at its disposal, including destabilizing campaigns, economic pressure, political manipulation, and disinformation tactics, to erode the integrity of democracy in these three key regional countries.

The West can no longer turn a blind eye. Without immediate and decisive action, these three countries may well be lost to authoritarianism and the Russian axis of geopolitical influence. We must act urgently. Through a “Democratic Resilience Programme” that strengthens civil society and reinforces political and economic ties, the West stands a good chance of halting Russia’s influence. Otherwise, the consequences for European security and the values of the Free World could be devastating.

Thanks to recent events, Georgia has been at the centre of attention. The government’s recent adoption of a controversial “foreign agents” law has led to widespread protests. The law, which is a carbon copy of Russia’s playbook, forces organizations which receive funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents”. Protesters are demanding the government stand up for democracy and protect freedoms. For many Georgians, this is not just a political battle but a fight for their country’s democratic future. They fear their government is edging closer to authoritarianism and aligning with Russia, threatening to pull Georgia back into Moscow’s orbit.

Meanwhile, Moldova is not faring much better. Pro-Russian groups are gaining strength, with opposition protests demanding the resignation of the pro-western President Maia Sandu. Kremlin-backed politicians are using this moment to deepen division, echoing tactics observed in Ukraine before the Russian invasion. Because of rising energy costs and economic instability in Moldova, more and more people are finding Russian support appealing.

The breakaway Transnistria region, which has enjoyed the Kremlin’s support for a long time, continues to be a destabilizing factor. Moldova’s government is struggling to maintain control. Its vulnerability is clear. Without assistance from Europe and the US, the results for the country will be devastating. Moscow spies a chance to use the situation to amplify its influence and slow western progress and harmony.

In Bulgaria, the danger is less obvious but no less present. Bulgaria is struggling with political instability. Russia threw its weight behind pro-Russian political parties in recent parliamentary elections. On social media, there have been disinformation campaigns targeting young Bulgarians, aiming to shift public opinion away from NATO and the EU. Bulgaria continues to depend on Russian gas, which is nerve-wracking for the West given its strategic position as a NATO member and EU state.

In response to these threats, the EU must begin a “Democratic Resilience Programme” delivering targeted financial and technical support programmes for pro-European political parties in Georgia, Moldova, and Bulgaria. Crucially, this should also involve civil society. This way, the EU can help to counteract pro-Russian parties by providing support for grassroots campaigns that promote democratic values.

The programme should host training workshops for political activists, with an emphasis on democratic engagement, good governance and fighting corruption. This would allow the EU to support democracy in Georgia, Moldova and Bulgaria from afar, by “equipping” local activists. At the same time, the EU should encourage direct dialogues between pro-European political parties and EU officials. These communication channels would offer them a chance to share their concerns and network for stronger democratic ties.

Recent and upcoming elections in these three key countries signify important moments that have the potential to determine these states’ democratic futures. Russia understands this, which is why the Kremlin is doing everything it can to manipulate the outcomes. Moscow understands that winning these battles could shift the geopolitical balance in its favour. But the EU has the power to prevent the worst-case scenario in all three countries by empowering pro-European groups to run effective campaigns and ensuring fair electoral practices.

If we truly believe in the principles of freedom and democracy, we must act now. The West must stand with Georgia, Moldova and Bulgaria. Failure to do so would jeopardize their futures and send a troubling message to other nations facing similar threats. The resilience of these nations depends on the West’s collective will. We must not let them fall.

Lika Kobeshavidze is a Georgian political writer and analytical journalist with Young Voices Europe, specializing in EU policy and regional security in Europe. She is currently based in Lund, Sweden, pursuing advanced studies in European Studies.

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Bulgaria, democracy, democratic resilience, EU-Moldovan relations, Georgia, Georgia-EU relations, Moldova, Russian interference