European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated Moldova and Moldovan President Maia Sandu on the vote in favour of joining the EU in spite of accusations of election interference by Russia.
“In the face of Russia’s hybrid tactics, Moldova shows that it is independent, it is strong and it wants a European future’’ von der Leyen said on X.
The former Soviet republic has apparently voted by a wafer-thin majority to enshrine a pro-EU course into the constitution, although the result is not final.
The referendum is being closely watched in Brussels, but hopes have been dashed of a strong majority in favour of the EU.
It pledged 1.8 billion euros (1.9 billion dollars) in economic aid for Moldova this month. (dpa/NAN)
