European Moldova: a polish perspective on international law, sovereignty, and Europe's eastern frontier

As Moldova deepens its relationship with the European Union, it becomes clear that international law is not only about rules and reforms - it also tells a story about belonging. Drawing on Poland's post-1989 experience, this article examines Moldova's European path through the lenses of sovereignty, legal adaptation, and regional diplomacy. As a possible input into ongoing legal discussion, the article argues that Moldova's European integration cannot be reduced to the mechanical adoption of norms; it is better understood as an ongoing conversation between the country's legal identity and its political aspirations at the edge of Europe. The Polish perspective highlights how shared historical transitions shape the legal imagination of small states navigating between independence and interdependence.