Moldova's Constitutional Court validates referendum on joining EU
Photo: Moldova's integration into the EU will be formalized in the Constitution (Getty Images)
The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova approved the results of the referendum on the country's accession to the European Union. The result will be enshrined in the Constitution, according to Bloomberg.
Six judges of the Moldovan Constitutional Court confirmed by majority vote that the criteria for recognizing the referendum as valid were met.
This decision paves the way for constitutional changes to solidify the country's pro-European course, which is the main goal of Maia Sandu, the country’s pro-European president.
Referendum and presidential election in Moldova
On October 20, Moldovan citizens voted in the presidential election and expressed their views in a referendum on the prospects for the country's accession to the European Union.
In the first round, incumbent President Maia Sandu secured victory.
Sandu's plan to hold the referendum simultaneously with the first round of the presidential election proved to be a risky decision, as Russia intensified its disinformation campaign, attempting to maintain influence over the country.
The Moldovan government believes that Kremlin interference affected the referendum outcome, where only 50.35% supported the country's integration into the EU. Previous polls had shown much broader support for Moldova's EU membership.
In the second round of the presidential election on Sunday, November 3, Sandu will face pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo.
