The fourth edition of the Regional Conference Money in Politics, held in Chisinau, has brought together around 100 representatives of electoral bodies, government officials, and international experts from across Europe to explore the rapidly evolving challenges of political finance and electoral integrity in the digital era.

As part of the Money in Politics regional series launched in 2016 within the Eastern Partnership Countries, the event has become a key platform for exchanging best practices, strengthening democratic resilience, and fostering cross-institutional cooperation across the region.

The discussions focused on the dual threats and opportunities presented by new technologies and digital platforms within political processes. Speakers addressed issues as illicit electoral financing, AI generated fakes, role of cryptocurrencies and online campaigning, foreign interference and other persistent issues.

Council of Europe’s representatives offered substantive perspectives on the importance of preventive measures and agile institutional frameworks.  Vice-Chair of MONEYVAL[1], Alfred Zammit, evaluating the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards for crypto-enabled political finance, stated: “A state must first understand the risks it faces and put in place  effective measures to mitigate them. It is essential to have strong institutions that enable good coordination and efficient information exchange between law enforcement agencies and financial intelligence units.”

Member of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe in respect of the Czech Republic, Veronika Bílková , addressed the conference on the emerging role of artificial intelligence in electoral processes. She challenged participants to reflect on the use of AI in electoral processes and wheter it remains compatible with the principles of the rule of law. Emphasising the importance of democratic safeguards, Ms. Bílková added: that the principle of the rule of law is essential for electoral integrity, as it is a key element of it.

Chair of the Central Election Commission of Republic of Moldova, Angelica Caraman, underscored how the swift evolution of the digital landscape is reshaping not only the funding but also the conduct of election campaigns. She highlighted the necessity for collaborative strategies to address emerging risks associated with online political finance, remarking: “The digital space is increasingly becoming the main arena for electoral competition, and democratic institutions are called upon to adapt their tools and safeguards to these new realities.”

Throughout the conference, participants agreed that tackling the challenges of money in politics in the digital age requires not only technical adaptation but a cultural commitment to collaboration and continuous learning. Likewise, they highlighted the urgent need for transparent, modernised oversight and institutional collaboration that goes beyond national borders. As the region faces new risks, the Council of Europe and its partners continue to lead efforts in supporting transparent and resilient democratic processes.

The event was carried out within the Project ”Improving Electoral Practice in the Republic of Moldova (IEPRM) 2025-2028”, part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for the Republic of Moldova 2025-2028, in cooperation with the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Moldova, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the United Nations Development Programme, the National Democratic Institute, and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.