The challenges facing the Republic of Moldova as an aspirant country for the European Union membership

The article will examine the challenges and threats: internal and external faced by the Republic of Moldova, as a candidate country in the process of joining the European Union. The actions of the Republic of Moldova to fulfill the pre-conditions for the start of accession negotiations will be highlighted, which are: justice reform, the fight against corruption, organized crime, deoligarchization, increasing administrative capacities, managing public finances and increasing the involvement of civil society in decision-making processes. Threats coming from outside will be exemplified by describing the activities aimed at undermining the state, causing mass disorder, buying voters, corrupting Moldovan politicians by the forces directed by the Russian Federation and the structures affiliated and financed by it.