Moldova Narrowly Backs Joining EU Amid Foreign Interference Claims
Moldova Narrowly Backs Joining EU Amid Foreign Interference Claims
The Facts
Moldova was formerly part of the Soviet Union until it proclaimed independence in 1990, setting off a two-year civil war with Russian-speaking residents of Transnistria. Following a settlement, that area seceded from Moldova and has remained under the control of Russian forces.With nearly all votes counted on Monday, electoral authorities in Moldova said a slim majority of the nation backed a path towards EU membership — with 50.39% of votes counted in favor, while 49.61% were against.
Moldova has had a pro-EU government since 2021. Its president, Maia Sandu, who was up for reelection on the same day as the referendum, accused criminal groups and foreign forces of attacking the country with "tens of millions of euros, lies, and propaganda," to sway the vote.However, the non-binding referendum in the nation of 2.5M people — which has emerged as a battleground for Russian and Western influence — was beset by allegations of foreign interference on both sides.
The Spin
The Kremlin observed a number of irregularities in these votes, including mechanical increases in vote tallies. Despite these and other measures carried out to repress opposition groups, it's significant that a majority of people still didn't back Sandu and the referendum passed by a razor-thin margin.
There may be some disappointment from Sandu's supporters and her EU allies, but they shouldn't overlook that in the face of unprecedented levels of Russian interference, she and the EU referendum prevailed. Moldovans want to be part of the EU and that goal will be enshrined in the country's constitution.
