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DW and RFI România launch joint pilot project in Moldova

DW, together with RFI România and local media outlets in the Republic of Moldova, is launching a joint information initiative to strengthen independent journalism and counter disinformation in the region.

DW Corporate Communications | DW Made for minds
Image: DW

On September 28, the Republic of Moldova will elect a new parliament amid an increasingly polarized political climate and targeted disinformation campaigns, particularly from the Russian sphere of influence. Against this backdrop, DW and RFI România – a subsidiary of France Médias Monde based in Bucharest – are joining forces in an initial pilot phase to promote access to reliable information in the region. This initiative complements RFI România's expanded coverage of Moldova in Romanian, both on air and online, notably through the program "Moldova Zoom".

The uncertainty surrounding Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Moldova has left a major gap in independent news coverage. RFE/RL received €142.2 million in fiscal year 2024, but the U.S. government cut its funding in May 2025. The partnership between DW and RFI România is intended as a first step to fill the void and to help build sustainable European media structures in the region. 

Peter Limbourg, DW Director General:"In a country like the Republic of Moldova, caught in the crossfire of geopolitical interests, independent journalism is of central importance. As other international actors step back, Europe must step up – with real initiatives and resources – to strengthen resilience in the information space. This cooperation is a first step, but lasting impact will require much greater commitment. The goal is to give people access to reliable information as the basis for informed opinion and a strong democracy." 

Marie-Christine Saragosse, Chair and CEO of France Médias Monde: "With the new daily program 'Moldova Zoom' and a stronger digital presence, RFI România aims to provide full coverage of news from Moldova. The stationenjoys a strong audience and high credibility in both Romania and Moldova, where it operates seven FM frequencies, including one in Chișinău. Our partnership with DW supports this effort and gives audiences in the region access to professional, balanced and independent information." 

Formats and Implementation

As part of the pilot project, selected journalistic content will be produced in Romanian and Russian, tailored to the information needs of Moldova's population. A joint reporting team from DW and RFI România will visit different regions of the country, including politically sensitive areas such as Gagauzia and along the Ukrainian border, to capture voices from the ground. 

Short digital formats in Romanian and Russian will also be produced, including social media videos that explain current issues in an accessible way. The focus is on identifying disinformation and conveying European values, especially for younger audiences. 

In addition, DW reports will be included on occasion in the programming of Moldova's public broadcaster Moldova 1, providing European perspectives on issues such as migration, security and EU enlargement.