On August 27, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Moldova to mark the 34th anniversary of its independence and to demonstrate support for the country's European Union membership bid. The visit took place amid growing concerns over Russian interference ahead of Moldova's parliamentary elections scheduled for the following month. The European leaders met with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and collectively condemned Russian "lies" and "hybrid attacks," emphasizing the importance of Moldova's European path in the face of Moscow's attempts to exert influence. The delegation underscored the geopolitical significance of Moldova, a former Soviet republic bordering Ukraine, which is increasingly pressured by Russia on its economy and energy supplies. This high-profile visit was seen as a strong signal of Western backing for Moldova's sovereignty and EU aspirations amid ongoing tensions with Russia.