The pro-European forces beat the pro-Russian parties by a small margin in the parliamentary election on 30 November in Moldova.

Surveys conducted in recent months indicate a clear improvement in the ratings for the two main pro-European parties.

In recent months Russia has increasingly used instruments for exerting economic pressure on Moldova.

Over the past few months, Chisinau has adopted a more assertive policy regarding the Transnistrian issue.

The Russian restrictions come as a consequence of Chisinau signing and ratifying of the Association Agreement with the EU.

It should be expected that Russia will use the deteriorating social and economic situation in Transnistria for propaganda purposes.

By fomenting separatism in Moldova’s regions, Russia wants to prevent Moldova from signing an Association Agreement with the EU.

Despite the complicated relations between Chisinau and Gagauzia, it seems that there is little danger that the region may become dangerously unstable.