Publication

This commentary discusses the first round of presidential elections in the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic. Its result marks the end of 20 years of rule by President Igor Smirnov. Russia actively engaged itself in the presidential campaign, supporting Smirnov's opponent. The final outcome of the elections will not lead to a quick resolution of the frozen conflict in this part of Europe. However, the author notes that the change of Transnistrian leadership opens new possibilities for the European Union to take action in order to modify Russian concepts of Moldova's reintegration.