Moldova has narrowly voted in favour of joining the(EU).
Moldova, a landlocked country between Ukraine and Romania, has a population of around 3.9 million.
Nearly 1.5 million people voted in the referendum, which the Government alleges faced Russian interference.
According to the country’s Central Electoral Commission, 50.42% of voters were in favour of joining the EU, while 49.58% were against it.
The referendum’s result means the country’s constitution will include a statement of its intent to join the EU.
Moldova
Much of Moldova’s land today was part of the Russian Empire in the 19th Century. After WWI, this land became part of Romania. Following WWII, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union (USSR).
Moldova declared independence from the USSR in 1991.
The EU has since said Moldova is in a “hybrid war” with Russia involving “manipulative interference”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously described the end of the USSR as a “tragedy”.
International analysts have suggested that if
On Moldova’s border with Ukraine is a small pro-Russian region called Transnistria. It has its own government, which is not internationally recognised, Most residents have Moldovan citizenship.
Transnistria receives extensive support from Russia, including the presence of Russian troops. Polling booths were set up in the region during Russia’s Presidential election in March.
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The same month, the leader of another ‘breakaway’ pro-Russian region, Gagauzia, met with Putin.
Leadership
The EU referendum was held at the same time as the first round of voting in the country’s presidential elections. Moldovans voted to add a commitment to joining the EU to their constitution.
Current President Maia Sandu, who is pro-EU, came to power in the 2020 election. She defeated previous President Igor Dodon, who was pro-Russia.
In this year’s election, Sandu faces Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is backed by pro-Russian groups. Moldovans will vote on 3 November to confirm the next President.
Interference
Sandu alleged there was international interference with the referendum. The President also accused foreign forces of using propaganda and spreading “fear and panic”.
She said: “We have clear evidence that these criminal groups aimed to buy 300,000 votes”.
Government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Sandu “must present evidence” for her accusations, and that the President should explain why nearly half of voters “did not agree with her”.
EU response
The EU described the referendum as “well-managed” despite “concerns over illicit foreign interference.”
It further welcomed the referendum results and says it will monitor the next round of the presidential election.
In a statement, the EU said: “We are committed to continue supporting Moldova’s democratic development… The EU and Moldova share a common future.”
