HISTORIC TIMELINE

1812Bessarabia ceded to Russia

The Ottoman Empire ceded most of the territory of Moldavia to the Russian Empire.

1856Southern Bessarabia returned to Moldavia

Southern Bessarabia was returned to Moldavia after the Crimean War.

1918Bessarabia declares independence

Bessarabia declared independence from Russia and later integrated into Romania.

1940Establishment of Moldavian SSR

Bessarabia was ceded to the Soviet Union, creating the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.

1991Moldova declares independence

Moldavian SSR declared independence and adopted the name Moldova amidst the Soviet Union's dissolution.

1994Moldova adopts constitution

The constitution of Moldova was adopted, establishing it as a parliamentary republic.

2020Maia Sandu elected president

Maia Sandu was elected president, promoting pro-Western policies and anti-corruption measures.

2022Moldova granted EU candidate status

Moldova was granted candidate status for European Union membership.

2023Accession talks with EU begin

Accession talks between Moldova and the EU commenced in December 2023.