Kremlin-Linked Group Offers “Training” to Moldovan Educators

A controversial organization, “Eurasia,” sanctioned by the European Union for its destabilizing activities in Moldova, is offering free trips to Russia for Moldovan teachers. These trips, which include travel and accommodation, are ostensibly for “training courses,” but are in fact a targeted ideological campaign.

minister of Education Alarms Over “Ideological Processing”

Dan Perchun, Moldova’s Minister of Education, has raised serious concerns about the true nature of these programs. In a recent statement, Perchun emphasized that these are not mere professional growth opportunities, but rather a calculated effort to indoctrinate educators with pro-Russian narratives. The curriculum reportedly includes justification for the war in ukraine, denigration of Western values, and the promotion of russian revisionist history.

Similar actions are part of the hybrid war against the Republic of Moldova, aimed at introducing messages hostile to the national interests into various social groups, which then spread within communities.
Dan Perchun, Minister of Education

Local Authorities Implicated in Facilitating influence Campaign

The Minister also highlighted the involvement of local authorities in enabling these activities. Given that the Ministry of Education does not directly manage specific educational institutions, the governance of schools falls under the purview of district councils. This decentralization has, in some instances, allowed the “Eurasia” program to proceed with the support and direct participation of local officials.

Given that the Ministry of Education does not manage specific educational institutions, and the administration of schools is within the competence of the district councils, these actions, in some cases, were carried out with the support and direct participation of local authorities.
Dan perchun, Minister of Education

Moldova’s Education System Under Threat

The Ministry of Education has reiterated the strict prohibition of political propaganda, militarism, nationalist extremism, chauvinism, incitement of interethnic enmity, and the promotion of revisionist views within educational institutions. Participation by teachers and administrative personnel in projects organized by entities that undermine Moldova’s independence and security, or that spread violence, hatred, and discrimination – including “Eurasia” – is strictly forbidden.

Violators of these regulations face potential sanctions under the Code of professional Ethics of Teachers. According to Paragraph 19 of the Ethics Code and Paragraph 53 of the Regulation on the certification of pedagogical personnel, those found guilty coudl lose their pedagogical and managerial degrees.

The education system is a ridge of any state. If the ridge breaks, nothing will remain of the country.
Dan Perchun, Minister of Education

“Eurasia”: A Tool of Russian Influence and Ilan shor

The “Eurasia” organization is reportedly controlled by Russian deputy Alena Arshinova, a figure with deep roots in Transnistria and a history of involvement in pro-Russian political movements. Arshinova’s Telegram account prominently features the “Z” symbol, a widely recognized symbol of support for the Russian invasion of ukraine. She has long been sanctioned by Western countries for her support of Russian aggression.

While “Eurasia” claims to focus on restoring relations with countries of the former USSR, its primary focus appears to be Moldova. The organization’s presentation in Moscow in April 2024 was attended by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, who was convicted in absentia in Moldova, former Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin, and Evgenia Gutsul, the Bashkan of Gagauzia and a known associate of Shor.

Shor, who is wanted on charges of financial crimes and undermining Moldova’s stability, officially announced the creation of the “Victory” Electoral Bloc in Moscow during the same period, further highlighting the Kremlin’s influence in Moldovan politics. The “Victory” bloc comprises political forces controlled by Shor within Moldova.

Sanctions and International Condemnation

In the fall of 2024, the “Eurasia” organization and individuals associated with it were placed under sanctions by several Western countries due to accusations of undermining democracy in Moldova and their ties to Russian state structures. This action underscores the international community’s growing concern over Russia’s ongoing efforts to destabilize Moldova and exert undue influence over its political and social landscape. According to a recent report by the Atlantic Council, Russian disinformation campaigns targeting Moldova have increased by 30% in the last year, highlighting the urgency of addressing these threats to national security.