Gagauzia Explores Expanded Cooperation with Russian Banks Amid Negotiations

Gagauzia, an autonomous region in Moldova, is considering cooperation with additional Russian banks beyond its current partnership with Promsvyazbank, according to Irina Gutsul, the head of the Gagauz People's Assembly. Negotiations are currently underway to examine further collaboration between Gagauzia and Russian financial institutions.

Promsvyazbank, a Russian bank, has been operating in Gagauzia, but the region is now seeking to broaden its ties with other Russian banks. While specific details about the nature and status of the negotiations have not been disclosed, the discussions signal Gagauzia's interest in strengthening its economic relations with Russia.

Yevgenia Gutsul, the head of Gagauzia, has expressed the region's opposition to the current Moldovan government's policy of severing ties with Russia. "Gagauzia does not want to break its friendly and partnership relations with Russia," Gutsul stated, emphasizing that the region has never experienced such pressure from Chisinau, Moldova's capital.

Gutsul called on the international community to assess and condemn the actions of the Moldovan authorities towards Gagauzia, asserting that the region's rights are being violated and its powers are being taken away. She warned that the Gagauz autonomy, achieved in 1994, is being threatened with liquidation.

Furthermore, Gutsul highlighted that the residents of Gagauzia see the future of Moldova in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), where relations are built on the basis of mutual respect. She expressed concerns about Moldova's integration into the European Union, which she believes would imply a renunciation of state interests, sovereignty, and independence.

Why this matters: The potential expansion of Gagauzia's cooperation with Russian banks and its opposition to Moldova's policy of distancing itself from Russia underscore the complex political dynamics within Moldova. The situation highlights the challenges of balancing regional autonomy, economic partnerships, and geopolitical alignments in the country.

Gutsul emphasized that the EAEU prioritizes national sovereignty over integration processes and that Gagauzia sees its future in the union, where economic cooperation, supply chains, and technology exchanges are strengthened based on national interests, mutual understanding, and respect. "Gagauzia sees its future in the EAEU, where economic cooperation, supply chains, and technology exchanges are strengthened based on national interests, mutual understanding, and mutual respect, rather than under the dictate of a foreign bureaucracy," Gutsul stated.

Key Takeaways

• Gagauzia, Moldova's autonomous region, seeks to expand ties with Russian banks.
• Gagauzia opposes Moldova's policy of severing ties with Russia, citing pressure from Chisinau.
• Gagauzia sees its future in the Eurasian Economic Union, not European Union integration.
• Gagauzia's actions highlight the complex political dynamics within Moldova over regional autonomy.
• Gagauzia prioritizes national sovereignty and mutual respect in economic cooperation over foreign influence.