Oleg Chirița explores how over a period of twelve months, the Moldovan diaspora proved to be a decisive political actor and the different roles they played in three impactful consecutive votes.
The period between 2024 and 2025 marked a defining phase for Moldova’s democracy. Within the space of twelve months, citizens were called to the polls three times: the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum on EU integration in October 2024 and the parliamentary elections in September 2025. Together, these electoral processes tested not only institutional resilience, but also the inclusiveness and credibility of Moldova’s democratic system.
In each of these moments, the Moldovan diaspora emerged as a decisive political actor. With over 77% of voters abroad supporting constitutional anchoring of EU integration, and more than 281,000 Moldovans casting ballots from abroad in the 2025 parliamentary elections, diaspora participation significantly shaped electoral outcomes. These results confirm a broader shift: the diaspora is no longer solely a contributor to development through remittances and investments, but an increasingly influential stakeholder in Moldova’s democratic governance and EU accession.
Without their voice, the outcome would have been different. Their participation was decisive.
And yet, these milestones unfolded in an unsettling context: massive disinformation campaigns, voter manipulation and the deepening of an “us versus them” narrative. Diaspora communities increasingly became targets of such campaigns (This is true in Moldova and elsewhere as Nicha’s research on the effects of the rise of the far right on diaspora organisations in Germany and the Netherlands shows). Their strong support for European integration turned them into symbols of pro-Western aspirations — and, at the same time, convenient scapegoats for political actors resisting change.
The stakes were indeed enormous. Foreign influence operations intensified — sophisticated, well-funded and determined to erode Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. Yet amid these threats, diaspora voices grew louder than ever. Mobilisation on social media and in real-life community spaces was remarkable, demonstrating a high level of civic awareness, solidarity and commitment.
Democracy Is a Team Effort: The “3Ds” Approach
Against this backdrop, the evolving role of Moldovans abroad can be framed through the lens of Diaspora for 3Ds — three interlinked responsibilities that reflect today’s domestic and regional political realities:
Diplomacy
Moldovan diaspora diplomacy now includes lobbying and advocacy in international institutions, shaping Moldova’s image abroad and mobilising political support in EU member states — a crucial dimension as EU accession negotiations advance.
At the same time, it encompasses civic diplomacy: the transfer of democratic values, the shaping of public opinion and responsible participation in public life.
The fight against disinformation
Moldova proved vulnerable to hybrid warfare, yet diaspora communities were comparatively well informed. Surveys show that over 75% of Moldovans abroad actively follow developments at home, a significantly higher share than in many other diasporas. This positions them both as targets of dis- and misinformation and as powerful agents against it. Countering false narratives requires strong partnerships with independent local media, as well as sustainable funding models such as crowdfunding, subscriptions, and direct support for investigative journalism.
Democracy
Diaspora communities have long played a pivotal role in Moldova’s socio-economic development, particularly through remittances and local investments. However, neither development projects nor remittances can thrive in the absence of a democratic environment. The diaspora’s role therefore extends beyond economic and social contributions – in today’s context, it also entails acting as a guardian of democracy itself (Read Diana’s Hincu call to diasporas to vote with inclusivity, understanding and a constructive mindset).
Organising for Impact: Three Priorities
To fully assume these roles and responsibilities, three priorities stand out:
Organisation
Moldova counts over 130 diaspora associations, yet mechanisms for coordination and collective representation remain limited. Greater professionalisation, networking platforms, and unified advocacy would significantly strengthen diaspora leverage, both domestically and internationally.
Leadership
Investing in both established and emerging diaspora leaders is essential for motivating communities, building partnerships and advancing civic education. While several promising initiatives exist, support remains sporadic and would benefit from a more systemic approach.
Dialogue
Sustained and inclusive dialogue is needed — not only between diaspora and government, but also with citizens at home, civil society and independent media, as well as across generations within diaspora communities. Such dialogue helps reduce polarisation, rebuild trust and counter the persistent “us versus them” narrative.
To achieve this, further empowerment of the diaspora is needed as outlines in this White Paper co-authored by four Moldovan diaspora voices.
Toward a Transnational Civic Identity
Perhaps the most transformative contribution of Moldova’s diaspora is the emergence of a transnational civic identity. Once shaped primarily by vulnerability and stories of hardship, this identity is increasingly European — combining local roots with democratic experiences gained in host countries.
This evolution matters. Democracy is not sustained by institutions alone, but by civic culture: critical thinking, solidarity and active participation. Moldovans abroad, exposed to diverse democratic models, are uniquely positioned to help cultivate these values at home.
European integration is not merely a political project – it is a societal one. And societies do not change overnight. They evolve through connection, conversation and courage. Moldova’s diaspora has demonstrated all three.
Now is the moment to reimagine what citizenship means across borders — to stand up, speak out, and affirm that democracy does not end at the airport gate. In doing so, the diaspora reaffirmed that democratic belonging does not end at the border, and that citizenship today is increasingly exercised across territories. (There are legal and policy tools to continue to engage with diasporas even in countries which do not facilitate dual or multiple citizenships as Farseen explored in his report).
After all, Moldova is not only where one is born – it is where one’s voice continues to matter.
From Option to Obligation
Diaspora engagement in Moldova has moved beyond symbolic participation and has become a structural component of democratic resilience. As the country advances on its European integration path, the ability to harness diaspora potential in diplomacy, counter-disinformation, and democratic governance will be critical.
This requires a shift from ad hoc engagement to institutionalised cooperation: clearer frameworks for diaspora participation in policymaking, sustained investment in civic infrastructure, support for independent media and leadership development. Moldova’s diaspora has demonstrated capacity, commitment and legitimacy. The challenge ahead lies in embedding this contribution into democratic processes in a durable and inclusive manner.
By Oleg Chirița
Deputy Head of Mission ICMPD Brussels
Head of the Global Initiatives Unit
Diasporas everywhere are being decisive in democratic processes, if you feel inspired by the Moldovan example explore Agustín’s experience on voting from abroad in Chile’s historic referendum. Beyond voting, diaspora representation can take many forms. If you are interested in exploring non-electoral political representation of diasporas, follow Dr. Claire Vincent-Mory’s research collaboration with EUDiF.