As part of the 29th Forum 2000 Conference, we continued our series of interviews with members of the Forum 2000 global network who have devoted their lives to democracy, dialogue, and human dignity. In this edition, we present Natalia Stercul, Executive Director of the Foreign Policy Association of the Republic of Moldova, political analyst, and civil society leader committed to her country’s European future.
Deeply shaped by Moldova’s path of modernization, reform, and European integration, Natalia reflects on how the country’s struggle between democratic aspirations and pro-Russian pressure has also defined her own professional journey. From her academic formation in international relations and political science to her leadership within one of Moldova’s best-known foreign policy organizations, she has worked to promote public understanding of elections, European integration, and civic participation at a decisive moment for her country. In this conversation, she speaks about perseverance, credibility, and continuous professional growth; her hope for a Moldova firmly anchored in Europe; her concern about war, authoritarianism, and the shrinking resources available to civil society; and her belief that, with determination and teamwork, meaningful change remains possible.
