Transnistria: Why Is This Small Region So Significant? | Dw Documentary

Since the Republic of Moldova was granted EU accession candidate status in 2022, the long-forgotten region has once again become the focus of geopolitical power games.

While the Moldovan capital Chişinău tends to pursue a more pro-European course, many people in Transnistria cling to Russia – despite problems like Transnistria's deep poverty. The region's economy is dominated by a powerful network of oligarchs. Critics speak of a system of mutual protection between business, politics and pro-Russian power structures.

Until the beginning of 2025, Transnistria's economy was reliant on gas from Russia. A fragile balancing act – as some 80 percent of Transnistria's exports go to the EU. But the energy crisis that followed the gas freeze has exacerbated tensions in the region.

While pro-Russian actors want to expand their power, supporters of a pro-European course are focusing on greater integration into the EU.

Watch the full documentary “Transnistria: Caught between Russia and the EU” on the DW Documentary YouTube channel.

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