Transylvania, Wallachia, and Moldova are three regions that share a similar population, language, and historical background. At various points in history, they were united under the same country, Romania, in 1600 and 1918. Moldova remained part of Romania until it was occupied by the USSR in 1945.
The Republic of Moldova declared independence from the USSR in 1991. Transnistria and Gagauzia are two regions in Republic of Moldova with predominantly Russian-speaking populations, operating under separate administrations from the Moldovan government.
Romania has been a member of the European Union since 2007. Moldova is a candidate for EU membership and began accession negotiations in 2023.