As two crucial elections that will determine Moldova’s future course are about to take place, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has personally urged Moldovans to vote and announced €1.8 billion ($1.97 billion) in financial support for the economy of one of Europe’s poorest countries over the next three years.
Moldova, a former Soviet republic of 2.5 million people sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, is preparing to hold a referendum on making EU membership a “strategic goal” in its constitution.
The referendum will take place on October 20, concurrent with Moldova's presidential election – which will see "pro-Western" President Maia Sandu seek a second term.
Under US-educated President Sandu, who came to power in 2020 after defeating President Igor Dodon, who was seen as "pro-Russian", Moldova has "tilted" firmly towards the West, condemning Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine and joining the EU's sanctions regime against the Kremlin.
European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Chisinau, October 10, 2024. Photo: Balkan Insight
In a show of support for Moldova’s bid to join the EU, the head of the bloc’s executive body visited Chisinau on October 10. At a joint press conference with Sandu, Von der Leyen encouraged Moldovans to vote to express their “free and sovereign choice,” but did not elaborate on how they would vote.
"The people of Moldova are standing at an important milestone... I encourage the people of Moldova to use their vote and express their free choice," Von der Leyen told reporters, referring to the referendum.
Moldova gained EU candidate status in June 2022 and was given the green light to open accession talks with the bloc earlier this year.
“Moldova's place is in the European Union,” and membership in the bloc could contribute to “doubling the country's economy in the next 10 years,” Von der Leyen said.
According to the EU chief, the €1.8 billion package will be used to invest in "areas that will generate economic growth and public services" such as repairing schools, building two new hospitals in the cities of Balti and Cahul, building roads and bridges to connect Moldova with neighboring countries, and developing the country's energy grid.
Ms Von der Leyen praised Ms Sandu for the Moldovan president's commitment to the country's "European path" and the progress Moldova has made towards EU membership.
Ms Sandu called the EU's financial support "a symbol of confidence in Moldova's development potential". Ms Sandu said that 65% of Moldova's exports go to the EU, and "this shows where our strategic interests lie".
President Sandu, who has strongly condemned the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has led Moldova's push to join the EU and hopes to achieve this goal by 2030.
Polls show Ms Sandu leading 10 other candidates in Moldova's presidential election. Polls also show that a majority of Moldovans support joining the EU.
Minh Duc (According to RFE/RL, Reuters)
Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/moldova-chuan-bi-bau-tong-thong-eu-manh-tay-chi-ngay-18-ty-euro-204241012150919224.htm
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