Moldova & Transnistria Tour

This seven-night tour looks at Moldova’s recent history, the civil war back in the early 1990s, how Russia has managed to influence the region, and how Moldova, by far Europe’s poorest state has fared during that time. It examines how the war in Ukraine has affected the country most recently, and the steps now being taken to integrate it into the EU.

If Vladimir Putin had his way, Moldova would be in a very tricky position today. For decades since the break-up of the Soviet Union, Russians have controlled a slither of territory the other side of the Nistru River – a soviet style mini-state that has defied the will of the Romanian government in Chisinau – complete with Russian troops. Had the war in Ukraine gone Russia’s way, Moldovan officials fear their state would have been next to fall.

Instead, the war in Ukraine has been the catalyst for a different kind of change. There is a feeling within Moldova and internationally that this frozen conflict needs to be dealt with for good. Still, the threat of a Russian led coup, while reduced, remains.

Book Your Tour

7 nights – 6 full days
4 nights Chisinau – Plai Hotel 3,4, 5 –8, 9 September
2 nights Tiraspol – Hotel Russia 6,7, September

NB Hotel locations may change – depending on itinerary

The tour includes:

Two days in Tiraspol

• Tiraspol is the regional capital of Transnistria/Trans-Dniester where the hammer and sickle is still proudly displayed over the buildings.
• Meetings with local leaders in Transnistria.
• A look at Sherriff Ltd- a shadow company that controls 60% of the breakaway region’s economy – including everything from banks, the media to supermarkets, shops and the Sherriff Tiraspol FC, a football team now in the Champions League.
• The impact of war in Ukraine on the region’s border (now closed).
• Public opinion among Moldova’s estimated 400,000 Russian population (now probably fewer). Also it’s notable Russia does not have a border with Moldova – Russians here know they are now on their own.

Moldova’s Economy and Politics since 1992

We spend two days looking at Moldova’s development since the war, based in Chisinau and will visit to the surrounding region.

Four days in Chisinau & surrounding region

• We look at some of the key issues affecting Moldova’s economy since the civil war; substantial outflows of people and aging population coincide with an economy that was slow to adopt economic reforms. It is heavily dependent on remittances.
• We take a look at some of the soviet era industry – Moldova’s economy is now largely service orientated – these towns feel left behind. We visit Balti – the second largest city in Moldova and an industrial area (130 km from Chisinau).
• Agriculture still plays a large role. Visit with Asconi wine producer (30 km from Chisinau). Wine industry is important to Moldova and had to pivot from Russian to European market
• How dependency on Russian oil and power generation affected politics.
• The role of oligarchs and corruption in the Moldovan economy – until recently the state was regarded as one of the most corrupt in Europe.
• Pro-Russian politicians have also been dominant within Romanian speaking Moldova and the Communist party has been a significant force.

What Next?

• A look at recent elections and the new pro-European government.
• Impact of the conflict on Moldovan party politics
• Meetings with think tanks and leading politicians and analysts.

While the Russian backed state is arguable weaker than it has ever been, there is little agreement on how this should be done. The key question remains, how can a country as politically and economically weak as Moldova absorb a state that was until very recently a loyal Kremlin stalwart.

Book Your Tour