Mircea Ticudean is the foreign affairs editor for RFE/RL's Moldovan Service.
Moldova has rejected a Russian request for polling stations in the breakaway Transdniester region, another sign that countries on Russia's periphery are committed to countering Kremlin influence.
A major Europe-wide assessment credits Moldova with the greatest progress on the protection of LGBT rights. But, for now, LGBT people in Moldova are keeping their celebrations in check.
Moldova's largest parliamentary party has introduced a bill banning "gay propaganda" to minors that is modeled on a controversial law adopted in Russia in 2013. Analysts say it is a bid to inflame tensions in society as the country prepares for a presidential election in October.
Controversial Moldovan activist Oleg Brega has become a local celebrity by making guerrilla videos exposing the lavish wealth of political and religious leaders in Europe's poorest country. The ability to protest, he says, "is all we have."
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Moldova's capital for a second-straight day on January 21, calling for sweeping reforms amid widespread anger against what is perceived as a profoundly corrupt political elite.
Protesters have entered Moldova's parliament building, shortly after lawmakers voted in a new pro-EU government.
Threats of excommunication and tax audits are the latest weapons in the ongoing battle between Moldova's reformist government and the country's powerful Orthodox Church.
A book on sex education donated to Moldovan schools by neighboring Romania has conservatives and Orthodox Christians up in arms.
Moldova's ruling coalition will try yet again this month to get a broad antidiscrimination law through parliament. The EU has said the adoption of a the legislation is essential for Moldova's further integration with the West, but it is facing increasingly fervent opposition from an unlikely alliance of the Orthodox Church and the opposition Communist Party.
