101-501: Dan Bălan (born 6 February 1979) is a Moldovan musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is the founder of Moldovan eurodance band O-Zone , and wrote their international hit single " Dragostea Din Tei ", which topped the charts in 32 countries and sold 12 million copies worldwide. Dan Bălan was born on 6 February 1979 in Chișinău , to Mihai Balan , a diplomat, and Ludmila Balan,
202-489: A Pastor tempted by his desires, and filmed in a district of Los Angeles . The director's team had to close off one quarter of the city to complete filming. Dan Bălan decided to re unite O-Zone in 2017 to have 2 concerts on 9 May 2017 in Chisinau and Bucharest. In March 2018, Dan Bălan released a new single called "Allegro Ventigo", featuring Matteo. Successful in the likes of Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Bulgaria, there
303-469: A TV presenter. He has a sister, TV presenter Sanda Bălan (born 1984). His maternal grandfather, Boris Vasiliev, was deported to Siberia as a child. He was given his first instrument, a second-hand accordion, as a present at age 11 and began pursuing music. Bălan attended music school, but his parents urged him to attend university to study law. After following their wishes for a short time, he eventually left law school to play with his first band Inferialis,
404-608: A vassal state of the Ottoman Empire from 1538, until the 19th century. In 1812, following one of several Russian–Turkish wars , the eastern half of the principality, Bessarabia , was annexed by the Russian Empire , marking the beginning of Russian influence in the region. In 1918, Bessarabia briefly became independent as the Moldavian Democratic Republic and, following the decision of
505-769: A "partly free" country with a score of 62/100 in 2023. They summarized their finds as follows: "Moldova has a competitive electoral environment, and freedoms of assembly , speech , and religion are mostly protected. Nonetheless, pervasive corruption , links between major political figures and powerful economic interests, and critical deficiencies in the justice sector and the rule of law all continue to hamper democratic governance." According to Transparency International , Moldova's Corruption Perceptions Index improved to 39 points in 2022 from 34 in 2020. Reporters Without Borders improved Moldova's Press Freedom Index ranking from 89th in 2020 to 40th in 2022, while cautioning that "Moldova's media are diverse but extremely polarised, like
606-547: A clear separation of powers . The president serves as the head of state , is elected every four years, and can be re-elected once. The prime minister serves as the head of government , appointed by the president with parliament 's support. The head of government in turn assembles a cabinet , subject to parliamentary approval. Legislative authority is vested in the unicameral Parliament of Moldova which has 101 seats and whose members are elected by popular vote on party lists every four years. The president's official residence
707-566: A closer alliance with NATO and strongly condemned Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine . Moldova is the second poorest country in Europe by GDP per official capita after Ukraine and much of its GDP is dominated by the service sector . It has one of the lowest Human Development Indexes in Europe, ranking 76th in the world (2022). Moldova ranks 68th in the world on the Global Innovation Index as of 2024 . Moldova
808-517: A commercial hit with seven of the album's ten songs reaching number one on the charts of the main radio stations in Moldova. At the same time, he became a producer of a new children's TV show called Tanti Ludmila Show , which was hosted by his mother. When the show needed a title song, the singer offered up a track he'd written when he was younger. Shortly afterwards, Jelihovschi left the band to take up his own career in television. In order to continue
909-549: A component of its support for Moldova in its European integration efforts. The first joint meeting of the Governments of Romania and Moldova, held in March 2012, concluded with several bilateral agreements in various fields. The European orientation "has been the policy of Moldova in recent years and this is the policy that must continue," Nicolae Timofti told lawmakers before his election in 2012 . On 29 November 2013, at
1010-580: A conflict that left the Transnistrian region as a de facto independent state. Moldova continues to navigate a complex relationship between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions. In recent years, it has pursued closer ties with the European Union , submitting a formal membership application in 2022. In the November 2020 presidential election , the pro-European opposition candidate Maia Sandu
1111-493: A gothic doom metal band. After Bălan formed the band, Inferialis held its first concert in 1995 in a concert hall in one of Chișinău 's factories. His entire family was present at the concert, and his parents having been impressed by the performance bought him an expensive synthesizer. He spent the next two years performing with the band, taking several small gigs, and then decided to move to commercial-sounding music. In an interview, he explained that he had never considered himself
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#17327980053891212-516: A heavy metal musician and instead identified as a producer with an interest in working with varying musical styles. He started experimenting and exploring a new, commercial pop sound, and recorded and released his first solo song, "De la Mine", in 1998. In 1998, Bălan formed O-Zone, a new musical project, with Petru Jelihovschi, former vocalist in Inferialis. The duo released their first album entitled Dar unde esti? later that year and it became
1313-661: A majority of voters support the proposal in a referendum. Furthermore, no revision can be made to limit the fundamental rights of people enumerated in the Constitution. The 1994 constitution also establishes an independent Constitutional Court , composed of six judges (two appointed by the President, two by Parliament, and two by the Supreme Council of Magistrature ), serving six-year terms, during which they are irremovable and not subordinate to any power. The court
1414-625: A number of more specialised police institutions including the Police Department of Chisinau Municipality and the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation. The Moldovan Border Police are responsible for border security. It was a military branch until 2012 when it was put under the control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to The Law on Police Use of Force Worldwide, "Moldova does not regulate and restrict
1515-813: A participant in NATO 's Partnership for Peace programme. The Francophonie was joined in 1996 with the country joining the World Trade Organization in 2001 and the International Criminal Court in 2002. In 2005, Moldova and the European Union established an action plan that sought to improve cooperation between Moldova and the union. At the end of 2005, the European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM)
1616-475: A political centre at the time of the foundation of the Principality of Moldavia in 1359. The origin of the name of the river remains unclear. According to a legend recounted by Moldavian chroniclers Dimitrie Cantemir and Grigore Ureche , Prince Dragoș named the river after hunting aurochs : following the chase, the prince's exhausted hound Molda (Seva) drowned in the river. The dog's name, given to
1717-606: A rock ballad called "Despre Tine Cant (Part 2)," dropped in Romania and Moldova and was accompanied by a music video directed by Greg Olive. Crazy Loop was nominated for Best Romanian Act at the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards but lost to Morandi. Later in 2009, the singer re-released The Power of the Shower album as Crazy Loop Mix , an exclusive release with four new tracks, which included "Friday Night", "My Best Summer", "Judy's Love Line" and new single "Chica Bomb". This release marked
1818-664: A role in shaping foreign policy. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian Government has frequently used its connections with the Russian Orthodox Church to block and stymie the integration of former Soviet states like Moldova into the West. In February 2023 Russia cancelled a 2012 decree underpinning Moldova's sovereignty. In May 2023 the government announced its intentions to withdraw from
1919-408: A run-off on 3 November 2024. The referendum was seen as a test of Moldova's commitment to EU integration, amid claims of vote manipulation by criminal groups. The European Union created a Partnership Mission in Moldova through its Common Security and Defence Policy on 24 April 2023. The mission seeks to support the government of Moldova in countering hybrid threats the country faces as a result of
2020-508: A separate administration and are administratively part of either cities (41 of them) or communes (659). This makes for a total of 1,682 localities in Moldova, two of which are uninhabited. The largest city in Moldova is Chișinău with a population of approx. 695,400 people. The second largest city is Tiraspol at 129,500, part of the unrecognised breakaway region of Transnistria , followed by Bălți (146,900) and Bender (91,000). The Moldovan police force ( General Police Inspectorate ) reports to
2121-526: A smaller hit than its predecessor, but a big enough one to make number one in several European countries. The single was not released in the United Kingdom and did not benefit from large-scale promotion like " Dragostea Din Tei ". "Despre tine" reached number four on the Eurochart Hot 100 . On DiscO-Zone , the track features a similar sound to O-Zone's previous hit, originally circulating on
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#17327980053892222-550: A summit in Vilnius , Moldova signed an association agreement with the European Union dedicated to the European Union's ' Eastern Partnership ' with ex-Soviet countries. The ex-Romanian President Traian Băsescu stated that Romania will make all efforts for Moldova to join the EU as soon as possible. Likewise, Traian Băsescu declared that the unification of Moldova and Romania is the next national project for Romania, as more than 75% of
2323-517: A total of 49 weeks. Bălan started recording the video for "Freedom", which was directed by Pavel Hudeakov in May 2011 in southern France. While recording for the song, the singer climbed up and stood on a steep cliff without protective equipment. In an interview after the official video was released, he said that the video was one of the most dangerous shootings of his career. He released his second Russian single, "Lish do Utra," on 26 September 2011. The song
2424-550: A value of US$ 700,000, to the 22nd Peacekeeping Battalion of the Moldovan National Army to "increase the capability of Moldovan peacekeeping contingents." Moldova signed a military agreement with Romania to strengthen regional security in 2015. The agreement is part of Moldova's strategy to reform its military and cooperate with its neighbours. Since 2022, the army has begun a process of modernization, and has been provided with more than €87 million in support for
2525-557: A version of his song “Cry Cry”, originally written for his unreleased rock album in 2006, with different, experimental and complex sound, and new Russian lyrics, differing somewhat from the English, to appeal to an Eastern European audience. In 2017, Bălan decided to return from his three-year creative break, in which he had been working on experimental music styles, to return with a more commercial sounding single which would not be featured on Freedom, Part 2. Bălan felt that before releasing
2626-601: A vote of its assembly. The decision was disputed by Soviet Russia , which in 1924 established, within the Ukrainian SSR , a so-called Moldavian autonomous republic on partially Moldovan-inhabited territories to the east of Bessarabia. In 1940, as a consequence of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact , Romania was compelled to cede Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to the Soviet Union , leading to the creation of
2727-436: A whole 4 months to film, involving 20 different scenes. 13 models and 16 dancers had in total 120 costumes and 300 kg of luggage. Badoev used “unusual graphics” and novel editing techniques in the video, and was impressed by Bălan's dedication to his music. The singer admitted he wanted to take his songs to a new level after Lendo Calendo, and worked more than any other on the sound design for Funny Love. Bălan also released
2828-586: Is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe , on the northeastern corner of the Balkans . The country spans a total of 33,483 km (12,928 sq mi) and has a population of approximately 2.42 million as of January 2024. Moldova is bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. The unrecognised breakaway state of Transnistria lies across the Dniester river on
2929-880: Is a member state of the United Nations, the Council of Europe , the World Trade Organization , the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe , the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development , the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation , and the Association Trio . The name Moldova is derived from the Moldova River ( German : Moldau ); the valley of this river served as
3030-512: Is also providing assistance to Moldova in implementing the necessary reforms for full accession by 2030. The European Union's High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has confirmed that the pathway to accession does not depend upon a resolution of the Transnistria conflict . On 27 June, Moldova signed a comprehensive free trade agreement with
3131-496: Is invested with the power of judicial review over all acts of parliament , over presidential decrees , and over international treaties signed by the country. The head of state is the President of Moldova, who between 2001 and 2015 was elected by the Moldovan Parliament, requiring the support of three-fifths of the deputies (at least 61 votes). This system was designed to decrease executive authority in favour of
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3232-597: Is the Presidential Palace, Chișinău . After the prime minister and government resigned in 2020 and the president and parliament failed to form a new government, early parliamentary elections were held in July 2021. According to Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe observers, the 2021 parliamentary elections were well-administered and competitive, and fundamental freedoms were largely respected. The Party of Action and Solidarity won 63 seats in
3333-557: The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine . A memorandum dated 29 March 2023 stated that the mission aims at "enhancing the resilience of Moldova's security sector in the area of crisis management as well as enhancing resilience to hybrid threats, including cybersecurity, and countering foreign information manipulation and interference". The initial mandate of the mission is expected to be for two years and it will be made up of up to 40 police and customs officers and judicial officials. Estonia , Latvia , Lithuania , Germany, Poland , Sweden,
3434-528: The Czech Republic , Portugal , Romania , and Denmark have all voiced support for the mission. On 2 February 2023 Moldova passed a law introducing criminal penalties for separatism , including prison terms. The law continues with penalties for financing and inciting separatism, plotting against Moldova, and collecting and stealing information that could harm the country's sovereignty, independence and integrity. The Moldovan armed forces consists of
3535-518: The European Free Trade Association . On 28 June 2023, the European Union announced a €1.6 billion support and investment programme for Moldova, as well as confirming reductions in the price of mobile data and voice roaming charges in Moldova by European and Moldovan telecoms operators, as well as Moldova joining the EU's joint gas purchase platform. Formal accession talks began on 13 December 2023. A referendum on joining
3636-668: The European Parliament approved a grant of €90 million to Moldova. The money was to supplement US$ 570 million in International Monetary Fund loans, World Bank and other bilateral support already granted to Moldova. In April 2010, Romania offered Moldova development aid worth of €100 million while the number of scholarships for Moldovan students doubled to 5,000. According to a lending agreement signed in February 2010, Poland provided US$ 15 million as
3737-580: The Ground Forces and Air Force . Moldova maintains a standing army of just 6,500 soldiers, and spends just 0.4 percent of its GDP on defence, far behind its regional neighbours. Moldova accepted all relevant arms control obligations of the former Soviet Union. On 30 October 1992, Moldova ratified the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe , which establishes comprehensive limits on key categories of conventional military equipment and provides for
3838-531: The Left Bank of the Dniester ). The final status of Transnistria is disputed , as the central government does not control that territory. 10 other cities, including Comrat and Tiraspol , the administrative seats of the two autonomous territories, also have municipality status . Moldova has 66 cities (towns), including 13 with municipality status, and 916 communes. Another 700 villages are too small to have
3939-586: The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) and is the primary law enforcement body, responsible for internal security, public order, traffic, and criminal investigations. Several agencies responsible for border management, emergency situations, migration and asylum also report to the ministry. Civilian authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. The Moldovan Police are divided into state and municipal organisations. State police provide law enforcement throughout Moldova while municipal police operate at
4040-555: The Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic (Moldavian SSR). On 27 August 1991, as the dissolution of the Soviet Union was underway, the Moldavian SSR declared independence and took the name Moldova. However, the strip of Moldovan territory on the east bank of the Dniester has been under the de facto control of the breakaway government of Transnistria since 1990. The constitution of Moldova
4141-583: The Neolithic and Bronze Ages . In antiquity , Moldova's location made it a crossroads for invasions by the Scythians , Goths , Huns , and other tribes, followed by periods of Roman and Byzantine control. The medieval Principality of Moldavia emerged in the 1350s , and was the medieval precursor of modern Moldova and Romania . It reached prominence under rulers like Stephen the Great before becoming
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4242-765: The UN Firearms Protocol , Stability Pact Regional Implementation Plan , the UN Programme of Action (PoA), and the OSCE Documents on Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition. Since declaring independence in 1991, Moldova has participated in UN peacekeeping missions in Liberia , Côte d'Ivoire , Sudan , and Georgia . On 12 November 2014, the US donated to Moldovan Armed Forces 39 Humvees and 10 trailers, with
4343-553: The Venice Commission across all areas and ensure effective and continuous implementation of human rights legislation." The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ' 2016 recommendations on hate crimes were "largely reflected in amendments to the Criminal Code adopted by the Moldovan Parliament and published on 3 June 2022", but the report notes that Moldovan law enforcement officers often fail to record
4444-488: The "Numa Numa Song", which was released in 2003, brought the group to global prominence. The single, written and produced by Bălan, reached the number one position on the charts of more than thirty countries and was the third bestselling single in the U.K that year. It sold more than 8 million copies worldwide, receiving a gold and multi-platinum certification in most of the countries of Europe, Asia and Latin America. It became
4545-491: The 101-seat parliament, enough to form a single-party majority. The 1994 Constitution of Moldova sets the framework for the government of the country. A parliamentary majority of at least two-thirds is required to amend the Constitution of Moldova , which cannot be revised in times of war or national emergency. Amendments to the Constitution affecting the state's sovereignty, independence, or unity can only be made after
4646-748: The Commonwealth of Independent States and the immediate suspension of its participation. In July 2023 Moldova passed a law on denunciation of the agreement on Moldova's membership in the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly . On 25 July 2023, the Moldovan government summoned the Russian ambassador to Moldova, Oleg Vasnetsov, after media reports of alleged spying devices on the rooftop of their embassy in Chişinău. On 26 July 2023,
4747-514: The EU is planned for autumn 2024, there will be no voting stations in Transnistria, however residents there will be free to travel into other areas of Moldova to vote, should they wish to. In Moldova's referendum on joining the EU, a narrow 50.17% voted "yes," with Maia Sandu alleging "unprecedented" outside interference. Sandu received 42% in the simultaneous presidential election, while her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo, garnered 26%, leading to
4848-664: The Europa Plus Live festival in Moscow. It reached number one on the Russian charts, where it remained for 43 weeks. A video for the song was directed by Jesse Dylan , who shot the video in Los Angeles and based its concept around the movie Friday the 13th . Following the success of two consecutive singles reaching number one on the charts, Bălan decided to shift his focus to the Eastern European market. In
4949-642: The Japan Charts and was a great success. He then had a small show/concert in Japan singing Numa Numa 2. In 2019, Dan Bălan created an audio and video production company Monarda Studios , that deals with managing and developing music artists and internet celebrities. The company's offices are located in Kyiv , Ukraine , and Bucharest , Romania . Moldova Moldova , officially the Republic of Moldova ,
5050-513: The Moldovan government expelled 45 Russian diplomats and embassy staff due to "hostile actions" intended to destabilise the Republic of Moldova, according to Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu. On 30 July, the Russian embassy announced that it would suspend consular appointments "for technical reasons". The Moldovan Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) also ended all partnership agreements with Russia's FSB after sending official notifications to
5151-474: The OSCE and UN fact-finding and observer missions. The foreign minister of Moldova , Andrei Stratan , repeatedly stated that the Russian troops stationed in the breakaway region were there against the will of the Moldovan government and called on them to leave "completely and unconditionally". In 2012, a security zone incident resulted in the death of a civilian, raising tensions with Russia. In September 2010,
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#17327980053895252-731: The Parliament (Sfatul Țării), united with Romania . During the Second World War it was occupied by the Soviet Union which reclaimed it from Romania. It joined the Union in 1940 as the Moldavian SSR . During this period, policies of Russification and economic transformation deeply influenced the region. The dissolution of the USSR in 1991 led to declared independence , followed by the Transnistria War in 1992,
5353-435: The RU.TV Russian music awards ceremony. He was also nominated for Best Singer and Best Song for "Lish do Utra". On 1 December 2012, the singer won a Golden Gramophone award for the second year in a row for "Lish do Utra". Bălan was also awarded the Krasnaya Zvezda award in nomination Best Songs of the Year for his single, which was one of the top twenty most popular songs of 2012 in Russia. In November 2012, he announced that he
5454-401: The Romanian music industry at that time. The song became a commercial success and reached number one on Romania Airplay Top 100 , where it stayed for seventeen consecutive weeks. The next year, O-Zone won two more MTV Romania Music Awards, for Best Song and Best Dance. The band was also nominated for Best Romanian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards . The song "Dragostea Din Tei", also known as
5555-402: The Top Hit Weekly Audience Choice, number thirteen on the Russian chart and number two on the Ukrainian chart. The music video for the song was directed by Alan Badoev and starred Russian theater and film actress Ekaterina Vilkova . Later that year, he was nominated for the best male singer award by the music channel Muz-TV. and was named as Russia's sexiest singer by online magazine Woman.ru at
5656-427: The U.K., where it reached No. 7 on the U.K. Dance Chart. The track received positive reviews from music critics. Nick Levine, from Britain's Digital Spy described "Chica Bomb" as "a sleek and reasonably sexy electro-house track with a nice bit of synthy bounce to it." It became one of the five most played songs on Radio in Bulgaria and Romania. The video for the song was directed by Hype Williams . Bălan re-recorded
5757-406: The album, the singer did not release it. However, some songs, such as “Cry Cry” and “The 24th Letter” were later released as part of his 2012 album “Freedom, Part 1”. He returned from the U.S. in early 2007 and began working on a new experimental musical project. Bălan performed the songs, which were a deviation from his prior material, in a falsetto voice . These shifts led him to decide to release
5858-458: The album. The recordings featured the Symphony Orchestra of the British Musicians' Union, the London Community Gospel Choir, London Voices led by Terry Edwards and Ben Parry, as well as Massive Attack drummer Julien Brown, guitarist Seton Daunt , and percussionist Andy Duncan. Chris Elliott worked on the arrangement for the symphony orchestra. The album's first single "Domoy" was released in September 2014. In contrast to Dan's previous work, "Domoy"
5959-464: The authorities in Moscow. Moldova has set 2030 as the target date for EU Accession. Moldova signed the Association Agreement with the European Union in Brussels on 27 June 2014. The signing came after the accord was drafted in Vilnius in November 2013. Moldova signed the membership application to join the EU on 3 March 2022. On 23 June 2022, Moldova was officially granted candidate status by EU leaders. The United Nations Development Programme
6060-410: The award for The Best Singer at the Real Musicbox awards ceremony. On 30 November 2013, Bălan received his third Golden Gramophone award for the song "Lyubi". In January 2014, Bălan began recording a new studio album, Freedom, Part 2 in London in the Abbey Road Studios , AIR Studios , RAK Studios , Strongroom Studios and Sarm Studios . He wrote the music and lyrics and produced all of the tracks on
6161-471: The band a deal. O-Zone elected Cat Music and their album was released in 2002 by the label. Much to Bălan's disappointment, the album did not become an instant commercial success. However, O-Zone won Best Music Video Award at the MTV Romania Music Awards in 2002 for their single "Numai tu". The album's second single, "Despre Tine", was more experimental, driven by the singer's goal of working in styles of music, which were completely different from those dictating
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#17327980053896262-482: The band unveiled their third album, DiscO-Zone, which became their best-selling release, certified gold and platinum in various countries. By the end of the year, it was the best-selling album in Japan, Europe and Latin America. In France, it was number fifteen but stayed for 36 weeks in the top 200. In Japan it reached the number one position in its 24th week on the chart. DiscO-Zone featured their hit singles "Dragostea Din Tei" and " Despre Tine (About You)". The album
6363-525: The band, Bălan announced auditions to select new band members. He auditioned several individuals but was unable to find somebody who fit his concept for the music. Finally, Arsenie Todiraș , who he met through his vocal coach, was selected. After the auditions were closed, Radu Sirbu heard about the selection and requested Bălan to audition him. Subsequently, Sirbu became the third member of the band. Throughout 2001, Bălan wrote and recorded O-Zone's second album, Number 1 . Four Romanian record labels offered
6464-400: The beginning of a new phase in his solo career. In November 2009 acting President of Moldova Mihai Ghimpu , awarded him the honorary title of Master in Art for successes in creative activity, contributions to propagation of musical art and high performing artistry. In 2008, Bălan was contacted by producers to become co-writer of Rihanna and T.I.'s " Live Your Life ", since the song sampled and
6565-444: The bestselling track in Europe and Japan in 2004 and 2005. Over the years, more than two hundred artists have sung the song in fourteen different languages. "Dragostea Din Tei" is one of the best-selling singles in the history of world music . In 2004, O-Zone won Best Dance Award again at MTV Romania Music Awards and, for the second year in a row, they were nominated for Best Romanian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Later that year,
6666-484: The bias motivations behind hate crimes, and additionally recommended "developing its victim support system to ensure effective access to justice, assistance, and protection services for hate crime victims". In 2021, 8 hate crimes were recorded, 7 of which reached a successful conviction, with one going to prosecution but without a conviction. Moldova is divided into 32 districts ( raioane , singular raion ), three municipalities and two autonomous regions ( Gagauzia and
6767-538: The breakaway Transdniestria region, prosecution and imprisonment for peaceful dissent continued." On 18 June 2023, some 500 LGBT activists and supporters held a Pride parade in the capital city of Chișinău which for the first time needed no heavy police cordons to protect them from protesters largely linked to the Orthodox church. According to Human Rights Report of the United States Department of State , released in 2022, "While authorities investigated reports of human rights abuses and corruption committed by officials,
6868-608: The country itself, which is marked by political instability and excessive influence by oligarchs." According to Amnesty International 's 2022/23 report, "No visible progress was made in reducing instances of torture and other ill-treatment in detention. Impunity continued for past human rights violations by law enforcement agencies. New "temporary" restrictions on public assemblies were introduced. The rights of LGBTI people were not fully realized, leading to cases of harassment, discrimination and violence. Some refugee reception centres turned away religious and ethnic minority refugees. In
6969-456: The country signed the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Convention to become a member and was also admitted in July 1995 to the Council of Europe . Moldova became a member state of the United Nations the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the North Atlantic Cooperation Council , the World Bank , the International Monetary Fund and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 1992. 1994 saw Moldova became
7070-413: The country's eastern border with Ukraine. Moldova is a unitary parliamentary representative democratic republic with its capital in Chișinău , the country's largest city and main cultural and commercial centre. Most of Moldovan territory was a part of the Principality of Moldavia from the 14th century until 1812, when it was ceded to the Russian Empire by the Ottoman Empire (to which Moldavia
7171-442: The destruction of weapons in excess of those limits. The country acceded to the provisions of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in October 1994 in Washington, D.C. It does not have nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological weapons. Moldova joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 's Partnership for Peace on 16 March 1994. Moldova is committed to a number of international and regional control of arms regulations such as
7272-572: The fourth time at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards . Bălan released a new English single, "Freedom", which featured American singer Corey Gibson and DJ Andrea Bertolini, in the spring of 2011. The song reached the Top 30 in Russia and Ukraine, and eventually bowed at number two on the charts. In Romania, the single went to number four on the Romanian Top 100 in 2011. The song remained on the charts for
7373-401: The iTunes Chart and reached number one in Russia and also peaked the charts in Romania and other CIS countries . The music video of the song, directed by Alan Badoev, was released on 9 July 2013. The song received positive reviews and the singer received several awards for "Lendo Calendo". On 25 May, he was nominated for the best singer award at the annual Russian music awards RU.TV. Later he won
7474-569: The legislature. Nevertheless, the Constitutional Court ruled on 4 March 2016 that this constitutional change adopted in 2000 regarding the presidential election was unconstitutional, thus reverting the election method of the president to a two-round system direct election . After achieving independence from the Soviet Union, Moldova's foreign policy was designed with a view to establishing relations with other European countries, neutrality, and European Union integration. In May 1995
7575-506: The local administrative level. National and municipal police forces often collaborate closely for law enforcement purposes. The Special Forces Brigade "Fulger" is a specialized combat-ready police force primarily responsible for tackling organized crime, serious violent crime, and hostage situations. They are subordinate to the General Police Inspectorate and therefore under strict civilian control. There are also
7676-685: The modernization of the defence sector and the strengthening of security through the European Peace Facility . In October 2022, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii claimed that 90 percent of the country's military equipment is outdated and of Soviet origin, dating back to the 1960s and 1980s. In April 2023, Valeriu Mija, Secretary of State for Defence Policy and National Army Reform in the Defence Ministry, claimed that Moldova needed $ 275 million to modernize its armed forces, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and
7777-557: The most watched Russian-language music video in the history of Russian music. The song was nominated for Best Duo at the awards for Russian music channel RU.TV in 2011. He won a Golden Gramophone Award , Russia's most prestigious music prize, for his single "Lepestkami Slez" at the 16th Golden Gramophone awards ceremony in the State Kremlin Palace in Moscow. The artist was nominated for the Best Romanian Act for
7878-630: The music under the stage name Crazy Loop, an alter ego that contrasted with his real personality. The musician described Crazy Loop as "funnier, crazier and more ironic" than himself and said, "I'm not like that really but part of Crazy Loop lives inside me." Bălan officially launched Crazy Loop in October 2007 with new single " Crazy Loop (Mm Ma Ma) ", which landed on the charts in Germany, Austria, Poland and Romania, as well as on European chart Euro Hot 200. Crazy Loop's debut album, The Power of Shower ,
7979-432: The new album he should return to the stage with a dance hit such as “Hold on Love”. To that end, he was invited performed the song at the popular M1 (Ukraine) Music Awards in 2017. The music video, Bălan's fifth collaboration with Ukrainian director Alan Badoev was described by Badoev as a dark and mysterious David Fincher -style clip. Badoev decided on a theme of “do not be afraid of what is inside of you”, casting Bălan as
8080-407: The peak of their fame and popularity. Their last European concert was held at the 2005 Golden Stag music festival in Romania. After O-Zone's break-up, Bălan started the eponymous rock group “Balan” and began working on new music. He moved to Los Angeles in early 2006 to record at Ocean Way . There he recorded and co-produced his first solo rock album with Jack Joseph Puig . Despite having recorded
8181-564: The population speaks Romanian. A document written in 2021 by the Russia's FSB's Directorate for Cross-Border Cooperation, titled "Strategic objectives of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Moldova" sets out a 10-year plan to destabilise Moldova. Using energy blackmail, political and elite sources in Moldova that are favourable to Russia and the Orthodox Church. Russia denies any such plan. Religious leaders play
8282-556: The presence of 1,500 Russian soldiers in Transnistria . In June 2023, Poland also sent a transport of military equipment worth €8 million (including drones , laptops, explosive ordnance disposal equipment , and ultrasound equipment) to the Moldovan police to increase the country's internal security. Analysts at the Centre for European Policy Analysis have called for further western weapon donations. Freedom House ranked Moldova as
8383-500: The process was slow and burdensome. During the year, authorities indicted and detained several former high-level officials including former President Igor Dodon, former member of parliament Vladimir Andronachi, Shor Party member of parliament Marina Tauber and former director of Moldovan Railways Anatolie Topala. None of these cases resulted in conviction by a court at year's end. Authorities took some steps to identify, investigate, and prosecute officials for human rights abuses, but progress
8484-799: The river, extended to the principality. For a short time in the 1990s, at the founding of the Commonwealth of Independent States , the name of the current Republic of Moldova was also spelled Moldavia . After the dissolution of the Soviet Union , the country began to use the Romanian name, Moldova . Officially, the name Republic of Moldova is designated by the United Nations. The history of Moldova spans prehistoric cultures , ancient and medieval empires, and periods of foreign rule and modern independence . Evidence of human habitation dates back 800,000–1.2 million years, with significant developments in agriculture , pottery , and settlement during
8585-679: The single in Greece as a duet with Greek pop star Eleni Foureira . The duo launched the new Greek version at the MAD Video Music Awards in Athens in May 2010. The song continued its global dominance and Bălan was invited as a special guest to the Russian music industry's annual awards ceremony, the Muz-TV Awards , on 11 June 2010, where he performed the single. The singer unveiled his next single, "Justify Sex" in July 2010 at
8686-459: The summer of 2010 he recorded lyrical song "Lepestkami Slez", translated as “Petals of Tears”, as a duet with Vera Brezhneva , who he had met in New York. The song, Bălan's first in Russian, was released on 29 October and became his third consecutive number one single in Russia. Its music video was shot by Ukrainian video director Sergei Solodky and earned over 24 million views on YouTube, becoming
8787-511: The use of firearms by law enforcement officials as international law requires. Police use of a firearm can only be lawful where necessary to confront an imminent threat of death or serious injury or a grave and proximate threat to life." Despre Tine " Despre tine " (English: "About You" ) is the second single release from O-Zone 's second album Number 1 , and came back in their last album, DiscO-Zone . Following up their 2003 summer hit " Dragostea Din Tei ", "Despre tine" proved to be
8888-555: The video. The singer selected Ada because he wanted a director with a very particular, photographic eye for composition and light, who could convey the natural beauty of the waking day and contrast it with the two lovers sharing their last morning together. The video was filmed in Corsica Island , with Bălan starring opposite Ioana Raicu. The video premiered on 25 October 2011. In April 2012, Bălan released another Russian single, pop-rock song "Lyubi". The song reached number one on
8989-530: Was a vassal state ) and became known as Bessarabia . In 1856, southern Bessarabia was returned to Moldavia, which three years later united with Wallachia to form Romania , but Russian rule was restored over the whole of the region in 1878. During the 1917 Russian Revolution , Bessarabia briefly became an autonomous state within the Russian Republic . In February 1918, it declared independence and then integrated into Romania later that year following
9090-705: Was a commercial success in many European countries, particularly in Portugal where it was hit number one for eight consecutive weeks and was ranked for 26 weeks in the top 30. It also reached the top ten in Wallonia (Belgium), Poland, Norway, Switzerland, and Finland. By late 2004, O-Zone released another single "De Ce Plang Chitarele", which was a cover of a song by the Moldovan band Noroc . Commenting on their songs and style, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty wrote that they have "breathed fresh air into European Pop Music Scene." O-Zone announced their breakup in 2005, right at
9191-575: Was adopted in 1994, and the country became a parliamentary republic with a president as head of state and a prime minister as head of government . Under the presidency of Maia Sandu , elected in 2020 on a pro-Western and anti-corruption ticket, Moldova has pursued membership of the European Union , and was granted candidate status in June 2022. Accession talks to the EU began on 13 December 2023. Sandu has also suggested an end to Moldova's constitutional commitment to military neutrality in favour of
9292-449: Was chosen by Disney Channel Romania to sing the theme song from the series Brandy & Mr. Whiskers . Bălan's solo single " Chica Bomb " which featured vocals from American singer Katie DiCicco and production from Italian DJ Andrea Bertolini, was officially released in 2010. The song became a hit in Europe and made it into the top ten charts in several European countries, including Germany, Denmark, Austria, Romania, Russia, Greece, and
9393-491: Was elected as the new president of the republic, becoming the first female elected president of Moldova. In the November 2024 presidential election , President Maia Sandu was re-elected with 55% of the vote in the run-off. The Republic of Moldova is a constitutional republic with a unicameral parliamentary system of government and competitive, multi-party elections . The constitution provides for executive and legislative branches as well as an independent judiciary and
9494-502: Was established at the joint request of the presidents of Moldova and Ukraine. EUBAM assists the Moldovan and Ukrainian governments in approximating their border and customs procedures to EU standards and offers support in both countries' fight against cross-border crime. After the 1990–1992 War of Transnistria , Moldova sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Transnistria region by working with Romania, Ukraine, and Russia, calling for international mediation, and co-operating with
9595-557: Was extensively based on the melody of “Dragostea Din Tei”. The song stayed at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks following its release, jumping from number eighty to number one in just one week. "Live Your Life" was certified 4× Platinum, with 4,532,000 copies sold in the U.S. In 2009, his co-writing of the song lead to Bălan being nominated for a Grammy Award , the first and only Moldovan ever to do so. The artist
9696-409: Was much talk around the language the lyrics are written in. Bălan joked in an interview that this is "Old Moldavian", but the settled view is that the lyrics are written in a fictional language that combines elements of Spanish, Italian, Greek and Romanian. On 12 September 2018, Dan Bălan released a new single called "Numa Numa 2" in association with Marley Waters. After a few days, the song reached #1 in
9797-489: Was quite experimental, moving away from his typical style and appealing to an older audience. According to Dan, the track also differs from the other songs on the new album, which will have a more commercial sound. In 2015, Bălan returned from his creative break to release another experimental single, “Funny Love”. The music video was directed by acclaimed Ukrainian director Alan Badoev , who has recorded hundreds of music videos, and several of Bălan's songs. The music video took
9898-442: Was recorded in studios in several countries, including Romania, the U.K., Russia and the U.S. In an interview, Bălan explained that upon thinking the concept of the song, he had an immediate notion that the song would be best presented in the Russian language. The single reached number one position on the Russian digital sales chart. He wrote the concept for the song's music video himself and enlisted French director Steven Ada to direct
9999-546: Was released in December, and included some of the songs Bălan had created for his unreleased album in Los Angeles, the previous year. The album's second single, "Johanna, Shut Up!" was released in the summer of 2008 along with a music video directed and shot in Los Angeles by Marc Klasfeld . The single was the final official track released under the name Crazy Loop. The artist released a third single from The Power of Shower in October 2008 under his own name, Dan Bălan. The track,
10100-555: Was slow." In a meeting with the European Union in October 2022, EU representatives "welcomed positive developments in Moldova such as the ratification of the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, the adoption of legislation on hate crime , and the ongoing work to reform the Electoral Code. It encouraged Moldovan authorities to address shortcomings identified by OSCE/ODIHR and
10201-890: Was working on his latest album Freedom (Part 1) He recorded the album in several studios in the U.S., the U.K., Italy and Romania. The album was launched in the Arena Moscow Concert Hall as part of a solo concert and included "Chica Bomb", "Justify Sex", "Lepestkami Slyoz" and "Freedom". The album became popular in Russia and was certified gold. In May 2013, Bălan released "Lendo Calendo", a bilingual single with lyrics in Spanish and English. The track featured Tany Vander and French rapper Brasco . He sang his part in Spanish, which he had studied in Barcelona. The words Lendo Calendo were coined by Bălan himself who thought of them as magic words like Abracadabra . The song topped
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