Moldova–Romania relations

The modern relations between the Republic of Moldova and Romania (Romanian: Relațiile dintre Republica Moldova și România) were established after the Moldovan independence from the Soviet Union on August 27, 1991. As of 2025, relations are very close on both a cultural and political scale, on the account of the Western-aligned administration of the Republic of Moldova, led by President Maia Sandu, who is in the office since 2020.

Pan-Romanianism has been a consistent part of Romanian and Moldovan politics in the early 1990s, however the theme has become marginal afterwards, with no major Moldavian party endorsing it as of 2025. The official language of Moldova is Romanian, despite an active controversy regarding language name and ethnic identity. Moldovans and Romanians share common traditions and folklore.

The Republic of Moldova represents a part of the former Principality of Moldavia. After the Treaty of Bucharest, which put an end of the Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812, the eastern half was ceded by its Ottoman suzerain to the Russian Empire, which annexed it as the Bessarabia Governorate. The western half remained under Ottoman rule and united with Wallachia in 1859, forming the modern Romanian state.

In 1918, after the Romanian army occupied its territory, Bessarabia became part of Romania, the Romanian administration lasting for 22 years. In 1940, it was annexed by the Soviet Union, most of the province becoming the new Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1991, it declared its independence and Romania was the first country to recognize its sovereignty, but most of the initial momentum for a union was lost following the Transnistrian War.

As of 2025, the two co-exist as bordering states, with low to medium support for a union on both sides. Romania is one of the most important partners of Moldova and a key feature in Moldovan politics. Romania is a member state of the European Union, while the Republic of Moldova is a candidate.