European Parliament recognises pressure on Maia Sandu: Moldova on the map of Europe’s fight for accurate information

An official European Parliament document, published on 29 October 2026, names the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, among Europe’s best-known women politicians targeted by AI-based gendered disinformation campaigns. The document places her alongside Annalena Baerbock, Giorgia Meloni and Sanna Marin.

The briefing is entitled “Women in an artificially enhanced information space”. It was prepared by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS), with Naja Bentzen as its author. The analysis shows how artificial intelligence amplifies manipulation, influence campaigns and non-consensual intimate imagery, which target women in particular. The author treats this phenomenon as a threat to security and democracy.

The fact that a European institution explicitly recognises the attacks facing Moldova’s head of state is an important signal. Moldova is not viewed merely as a target, but as part of the same European democratic space, where the same challenges are analysed and tackled jointly. Maia Sandu is mentioned alongside political leaders from EU member states, reflecting how visible Moldova has become at the European level.

For citizens, the document also sends a message of reassurance. Disinformation is no longer a problem that Moldova faces alone. EU institutions are studying and documenting it, and seeking solutions. Analyses such as this one lay the groundwork for stronger European policies against information manipulation, which candidate countries, including the Republic of Moldova, can also benefit from.

This recognition comes at a time when the European Parliament has consistently shown its support for Moldova. In the same month, MEPs called for an additional €4 million for the Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova in the EU’s 2027 budget. And on 5 November, the Parliament’s committees on Foreign Affairs and Budgets will discuss the progress of reforms and payments under the Growth Plan for Moldova.

The full document is available on the European Parliament’s Think Tank website.