The US Institute for War Studies warned Moldova that Russia could try to destabilise the country ahead of presidential elections and the upcoming referendum on joining the European Union.
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00:00 Moldova's government is taking action to counter potential Russian influence in a referendum
00:06 on its bid to join the European Union.
00:09 Its newly created Centre for Strategic Communication is designed to react to so-called misinformation
00:15 campaigns and fend off efforts to bribe the electorate.
00:20 The EU believes Russia is pouring money into the country.
00:24 "The way in which money is being poured in is very strange.
00:30 It all started with the exchange of money, from the border to the border, up to 10,000
00:37 euros.
00:38 Money should not be declared, it was necessary to declare it abroad.
00:44 There was a time when it was necessary to do so."
00:48 The vote is expected to take place in October.
00:52 Experts suggest a majority of Moldovans want to join the bloc.
00:55 However, opinions are mixed.
00:58 "We are in favour of Moldova joining the European Union, as well as Latvian countries,
01:05 as well as all the former countries of the Soviet Union."
01:11 "We are different from the countries of the European Union.
01:17 It will be difficult for people to integrate, and everything in the country will have to
01:24 be rebuilt.
01:25 I think this is not the best option."
01:27 Moldova's pro-EU president is standing for re-election later this year.
01:32 Maya Sandu's allies have raised fears Russia will try to influence that ballot.
01:38 Moscow opposes its former Soviet-era ally joining the EU, but has dismissed allegations
01:44 of political interference.
01:46 [Whoosh]