On 20 and 21 November 2025, ALDE-PACE attended meetings of the PACE Bureau and Standing Committee in Chișinău. Our discussions focused on democratic security, the risks posed by foreign interference, and member states’ commitment to democratic values and human rights, as the Republic of Moldova has now begun its rotating presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
In Chisinau, ALDE-PACE leader Iulian Bulai has conducted a series of high-level meetings, including with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi.
During the Standing Committee’s exchange of views with the chair of the Committee of Ministers Mr Popșoi, Mr Bulai welcomed the Presidency’s strong commitment to advancing the system of accountability for the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
The ALDE Group has tabled a proposal to discuss the recent decision of the Latvian Parliament to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, as well as the strong mobilisation of civil society in support of the Convention. Speaking on behalf of the group, Vice-President Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo reiterated that the Istanbul Convention is not about ideology but about human dignity and the protection of rights. She welcomed the fact that strong civil society mobilisation and the President’s decision to postpone the procedure have averted the withdrawal.
The meeting in Chișinău was attended by ALDE members Iulian Bulai, Beatrice Fresko-Rolfo, Bertrand Bouyx, Mehmet Akalin and Pat Casey.
