DW, in partnership with RFI România and local media in the Republic of Moldova, is launching an initiative to bolster independent journalism and combat disinformation, particularly ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28. With an increasingly polarized political landscape shaped by targeted disinformation campaigns, especially from Russian influences, this initiative aims to enhance the availability of reliable information in the region.
The collaboration follows a gap in independent news coverage due to uncertainty surrounding Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s operations in Moldova, after the U.S. government cut its funding. The alliance between DW and RFI România marks a strategic effort to support sustainable media structures in the area.
Peter Limbourg, DW’s Director General, emphasized the importance of independent journalism as a cornerstone for democracy in countries like Moldova, highlighting the necessity for Europe to provide resources and initiatives to strengthen the information space. Marie-Christine Saragosse, Chair and CEO of France Médias Monde, noted that RFI România plans to enhance its coverage of Moldova through initiatives like the new program “Moldova Zoom” and a stronger digital presence.
The pilot project will produce journalistic content in Romanian and Russian, tailored to Moldova’s population. A collaborative reporting team will cover various regions, including politically sensitive areas, to highlight local perspectives. Additionally, short digital formats will be created to address disinformation and promote European values, particularly targeting younger audiences. DW’s reports will also be integrated into Moldova’s public broadcaster, Moldova 1, to provide European viewpoints on topics such as migration, security, and EU enlargement.
