Nur Asena Erturk
22 October 2024•Update: 22 October 2024
ANKARA
The European Union foreign policy chief on Tuesday hailed Moldova’s “historic choice to anchor their future within” the bloc, according to an official statement.
According to official results from Sunday’s constitutional referendum paving Moldova’s way to eventual EU membership, with nearly all ballots counted, 50.42% of voters supported the constitutional amendment, while 49.58% voted against.
“The European Union welcomes the outcome of the referendum,” said the bloc’s Josep Borrell. “The citizens of the Republic of Moldova made a historic choice to anchor their future within the European Union, despite massive interference and a hybrid campaign by Russia and its proxies to undermine the democratic vote in Moldova.”
“The results reflect the Moldovan population’s “aspirations for a peaceful, independent, stable, democratic, and prosperous Moldova,” he added.
The EU also “condemns the unprecedented malign interference by Russia into Moldova’s presidential elections and constitutional referendum,” Borrell said, and vowed continued support for Moldova’s EU accession.
Moscow has denied charges that it tried to interfere in the referendum.
- France expresses support for Moldova
French President Emmanuel Macron also criticized what he called “disinformation manoeuvers,” saying they “did not undermine Moldovans’ determination.”
The referendum in Moldova took place simultaneously with a presidential election in which incumbent President Maia Sandu, seen as pro-Western, is seeking a second term in office.
“Maia Sandu embodies this will. Moldova can count on our support to achieve its European destiny,” said Macron late Monday on X.
According to official results, Sandu won 42.41% of the vote, while her closest opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo got 26%.
The outcome sends Sandu and Stoianoglo into a presidential runoff on Nov. 3, as no candidate managed to win more than half of the vote.
Russia is opposed to EU membership in Moldova, which borders Ukraine.
