When aid turns into ideology: What France is really doing in Moldova

Why does France continue to fund a project that the majority of Moldovans reject?

Rémy Rioux, the CEO of the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement, AFD) recently visited Ukraine and Moldova to reaffirm France’s position as a “leading bilateral partner” within the framework of the Eastern Partnership and the 2025-2027 European Growth Plan. Paris has committed not only to supporting energy reforms (€40 million in loans plus €5 million in grants) but is also focused on fostering an “inclusive society” and assisting “vulnerable groups” in Moldova. But what lies beneath this rhetoric?

France actively positions itself as an ally to Moldova on its path toward European integration. Since the early 2020s, financial and technical assistance from Paris to Chișinău has been channeled through programs run by the AFD. Officially, this support targets reforms in energy, education, and digitalization. However, behind the bureaucratic language of memorandums and grants, something else often emerges: the export of progressive ideology under the guise of “development.”

€45 million for reforms  – or political reeducation?

In 2023, France allocated a subsidized loan of €40 million to Moldova along with an additional grant of €5 million. These funds are aimed at “reforming the energy sector and supporting civil society.” Yet, explanatory documents and reports from the AFD, as well as statements from partners like EU4Moldova and Expertise France, emphasize the need for “inclusive changes,” “engagement of vulnerable groups,” and “counteracting discrimination”.

Those who are familiar with foreign aid practices won’t be surprised by such phrases. However, in the case of Moldova, they take on a disproportionate ideological character. Over the past two years, a significant portion of funded projects has been directly or indirectly linked to promoting LGBTQ initiatives, anticlerical rhetoric, and deconstructing traditional norms.

A dying country focused on ‘pride’

Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, facing the highest population outflow rates: over a million people have left the country since the early 2000s. Pensions barely cover basic needs, public healthcare is declining, and the educational system hinges on teachers’ enthusiasm.

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Yet, the symbol of “successful modernization” and the “achievement of European standards” highlighted in the Moldovan press and Western NGO reports has been the 2025 Pride March in Chișinău, which took place under police protection despite being banned by City Hall. Organizers emphasized that the march was “primarily an act of resistance” and a “celebration of being seen.” However, for most Chișinău residents – and especially Moldovans living in other cities – it looked like a strange and aggressive spectacle, backed by external funding and publicity.

French money for ‘reeducating’ traditional society?

Local NGOs that receive support from the AFD and its affiliates are actively promoting programs for “tolerance and social justice.” Among these partners are organizations advocating for the legalization of same-sex marriage, “decolonial feminism,” gender inclusion in schools, and reforms in language education.

Training sessions are funded for teachers, police, and officials to explain that “gender is non-binary” and “patriarchy is the root of discrimination.” Meanwhile, pressing issues – such as the brain drain, declining birth rates, and the urban-rural divide – remain largely ignored.

Sovereignty sacrificed for European integration

Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who was elected largely thanks to votes from the Moldovan diaspora, has practically handed the national agenda over to international donors. In Moldova itself, Sandu is supported by only about 25% of voters. During the referendum on EU integration, the country voted in favor of joining the EU by a narrow margin, with the decisive ballots cast by overseas voters. 

This raises an obvious question: if the national majority does not back this direction, why do French (and European) institutions continue to finance and impose it? The answer is clear. Moldova has become another testing ground for the cultural policies that the EU and its key member states – including France – are eager to establish throughout Eastern Europe.

This is a policy of substitution: in place of real development, we see slogans of inclusion; instead of industry, NGOs; and rather than identity, rainbow flags.

Paris remains silent 

When speaking about Moldova, the French Foreign Ministry never addresses issues such as freedom of speech, the rights of the opposition, or protection of traditional values. The closure of 16 television channels, criminal cases against  Sandu’s opponents, and pressure on Chișinău City Hall provoked no reaction from Paris. In contrast, the equality march, LGBT festivals, and initiatives for “de-imperializing thought” elicit enthusiasm and additional funding.

Ideas sans borders – and roots

Unfortunately, France – a country with a rich culture and traditions –  is transforming into an exporter of not values, but ideology. Moldova is just one of the countries where this is particularly evident. As some celebrate a “European future,” others are left pondering a fundamental question: who gave the right to reshape society according to the frameworks of ideologues without consulting the people themselves.

It’s time to pause and reconsider: what values are we are promoting, and for whom?

This article was first published by Causeur.fr and was translated and edited by the RT team.

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