Congressman Cohen Addresses Experts at a Helsinki Commission Hearing on a Democratic and Secure Moldova

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), the Ranking Member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today spoke to expert witnesses at a hearing entitled “Supporting a Democratic and Secure Moldova.”

In his remarks, Congressman Cohen said that Moldova is important to the United States and also important to Vladimir Putin in Russia in his efforts to be the second incarnation of Peter the Great. He said that the best way to protect Moldova is to help Ukraine win the war with Russia. He also noted that President Biden’s effort to persuade Turkey to lift its objection to NATO membership for Sweden has strengthened the alliance.

See his opening statement here.

Congressman Cohen recently met Moldovan Ambassador to the United States, Viorel Ursu, and discussed Moldova’s democratic progress as well as the increased hardships and security threats it faces since the onset of Russia’s war in Ukraine. 

Last year, Congressman Cohen joined Helsinki Commission Chairman Joe Wilson (SC-2) in introducing the Euro-Atlantic Solidarity and Major Democratic Ally Act which would upgrade defense cooperation with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova and create a “Major Democratic Ally” status, strengthening military and defense ties by calling the three allies.

Witnesses at today’s hearing were:

• Dan Bischof, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs;
• Igor Grosu, President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova;
• Doina Gherman, Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova;
• Ambassador (retired) William Hill, Global Fellow at the Wilson Center

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