A resolution expressing support and appreciation for the efforts of the Republic of Romania and the Republic of Moldova to defend democracy and combat malign Russian interference.

Bill: 119-sres-199
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2025-05-01
Policy area: International Affairs
Latest action: action_date: 2025-05-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S2740-2741: 3)

Summaries:

tv_txt: III 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 199 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 1, 2025 Mr. Coons (for himself and Mr. Tillis ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing support and appreciation for the efforts of the Republic of Romania and the Republic of Moldova to defend democracy and combat malign Russian interference.

Whereas the Republic of Romania and the Republic of Moldova are committed to supporting democracy, the rule of law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in eastern Europe; Whereas, in 2024, the Government of the Russian Federation attempted to undermine the democratic systems, economic prosperity, and energy security of Romania and Moldova as part of a wider campaign to expand its malign influence and promote broader instability across Europe and the world; Whereas, despite growing pressure from Russian leaders, the people and institutions of Romania and Moldova remain committed to supporting democratic values and combating the effects of malign Russian pressure campaigns in eastern Europe; Whereas Romania— (1) is a crucial leader of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (referred to in this preamble as NATO ), has made significant investments in military infrastructure and capabilities in order to protect NATO’s eastern flank, and spent 2.2 percent of its gross domestic product on defense spending during 2024, which surpasses the requirement set forth in the Wales Summit Declaration of 2014; (2) is a vital member of the European Union that has led efforts to support the entry of other eastern European countries into NATO, including Moldova; (3) has the energy resources to help counter Russia’s weaponization of energy supplies, including natural gas, against Europe; and (4) has provided critical support to Ukraine since Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale war of aggression began on February 24, 2022, including by providing energy, economic, humanitarian, and military assistance to Ukraine and facilitating the transit of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea; Whereas Romania’s commitment to robust transatlantic relations and leadership within NATO have made it a target for Russian interference, including during Romania’s presidential election on November 24, 2024, which was targeted by a digital campaign backed by a state actor intended to influence the results of the election; Whereas this digital campaign attempted to manipulate the election in favor of candidates who supported Russian President Vladimir Putin, were critical of NATO, and were critical of Romanian assistance to Ukraine; Whereas Romania has scheduled a new presidential election to take place in May 2025; Whereas Moldova— (1) has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to strengthening its democracy and deepening its European integration; (2) applied for European Union membership in March 2022, was granted candidate status in June 2022, and began accession negotiations in June 2024; (3) codified its commitment to joining the European Union in October 2024 through a Constitutional Referendum; (4) has made tremendous strides in its efforts to join the European Union by 2035, including ongoing efforts to ensure its laws, institutions, and regulations comply with European Union accession standards and regulations; and (5) has provided substantial humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022; Whereas Moldova’s democratic and pro-European Union aspirations have made it a target for Russian interference, including— (1) Russia’s weaponization of energy supplies against Moldova by halting the flow of natural gas to Transnistria, where Moldova’s main electricity power plant is located, causing serious consequences for Moldovans, including blackouts and a dramatic increase in the cost of energy in the winter months of 2025; and (2) Russia’s efforts to influence Moldova’s 2024 elections, including its presidential election and European Union constitutional referendum, in favor of pro-Russia, anti-European Union candidates and platforms, including through— (A) fake bomb threats against polling stations abroad and preparations to instigate violent demonstrations; (B) explicit vote-buying campaigns; and (C) cyber operations against government and private-sector targets, including Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission; Whereas Moldova’s parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place after the current parliament’s term ends in July 2025; and Whereas international efforts to support Moldova’s democracy and address the impacts of Russia’s weaponization of natural gas must increase in order to counter Russian interference ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) expresses robust support and appreciation for the efforts of the Governments of Romania and of Moldova and their people as they work to strengthen state sovereignty and democracy in eastern Europe, despite tremendous pressure from Russia; (2) applauds the partnership between Romania and Moldova in the energy sector as a model of reducing reliance on the use of Russian energy exports; (3) expresses support for Romania’s critical role within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union; (4) expresses support for Moldova’s aspirations to join the European Union; (5) condemns Russian efforts to pressure, coerce, or otherwise manipulate democratic sovereign states, including Romania and Moldova; (6) urges the international community, including the European Union, to increase their support for Romania and Moldova’s democracies in advance of their respective elections in 2025, including by— (A) releasing the full European Commission report detailing the extent of Russian interference in the 2024 Romanian presidential election, including through TikTok; and (B) administering appropriate disciplinary action and best practices for combating such interference in future elections; and (7) urges the United States Government— (A) to strengthen bilateral and multilateral engagements with Romania and Moldova in support of democracy and state sovereignty in eastern Europe; and (B) to strengthen support for Romanian and Moldovan security and election integrity in advance of presidential elections and parliamentary elections set to be held in May and September, respectively.