On 20 October, Moldova held a referendum on the country's potential accession to the European Union, with the pro-EU vote winning against a backdrop of unprecedented interference and manipulation from Russia.
50.4% of Moldovan voters backed changing the constitution to include EU membership, with 49.6% opposing the move.
"We fully support Moldova’s European aspirations and condemn Vladimir Putin’s attempts to destabilise the political situation and electoral process. Moldovans showed exemplary mobilisation, turning up in bigger numbers than the previous presidential election," said ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP.
"Polling stations around the world were lined with long queues, with some extending the closing time to allow everybody to express their vote. Every vote counts, and this lesson must be remembered and applied in two weeks for the second round of the presidential elections."
ALDE Party member CUB in Moldova highlighted how despite a narrow win for the country's pro-European future, the struggle for a European Moldova continues.
"Moldovans did not vote against Europe, but against hypocrisy. Yesterday's vote was a cry for help - we want a functioning rule of law, not a "sham democracy". We call all pro-European parties to start talks to form a common strategy to restore our European course. CUB stands firm on its position: we choose democracy!" said a CUB party statement.
Other liberal leaders from across Europe highlighted the good news but stressed this is just the beginning of the efforts towards eliminating Putin's interference with Moldova's road to EU integration.
"Good news is coming from Moldova. The European direction will be maintained. Defeat for Russia despite huge investment," said Nowoczesna leader and Poland's Minister for European Affairs Adam Szłapka.
Dobre wieści płyną z Mołdawii. Kierunek europejski zostanie utrzymany. Porażka Rosji mimo wielkich nakładów.
— Adam Szłapka (@adamSzlapka) October 21, 2024
"The Moldovan elections and referendum were marked by a massive operation by the Putin regime to influence the outcome," said Renew Europe Vice-President Martin Hojsik MEP.
Moldavské voľby a referendum boli poznačené masívnou operáciou zo strany Putinovho režimu s cieľom ovplyvniť výsledok. https://t.co/j0wLJheozP
— Martin Hojsik (@martinhojsik) October 21, 2024
"Congratulations to Moldova, one step closer to EU membership! However, we can't breathe a sigh of relief just yet. The result was closer than we could have hoped for and there is no doubt that Russia will lay new stumbling blocks," said Radikale Venstre leader Martin Lidegaard.
Tillykke til Moldova, der nu er et skridt tættere på EU-medlemsskabet!
— Martin Lidegaard (@martinlidegaard) October 21, 2024
Vi kan dog ingenlunde ånde lettet op endnu. Resultatet var tættere, end vi kunne håbe, og der er ingen tvivl om, at Rusland vil lægge nye snubletråde ud - ligesom ikke alle lande og partier i EU vil kæmpe…
"Moldova should be a warning to the whole EU: Russia is no longer afraid of any means. In 2026, Hungary will hold crucial elections. Let there be no doubt: Putin will do his utmost to keep one of his last European henchmen, Orban, in the prime minister's chair, along with his Russian-owned government," said Momentum Mozgalom leader Márton Tompos.
"Despite Russian propaganda, more and more Moldovan citizens have understood where prosperity comes from: from the West, not from Putin's Russia. This is the clear road we must take in the Republic of Moldova and Romania!" said USR leader Elena Lasconi.
.@Lasconi1972, președinta USR:
— USR (@usr_oficial) October 21, 2024
👉 „Ceea ce vedem astăzi în Republica Moldova 🇲🇩 este o lecție și pentru noi, în România! 🇷🇴
👉 Într-o perioadă complicată în care propaganda rusă este tot mai aprigă, în care voturile se pot cumpăra, iar dezinformarea capătă forme la care nici… pic.twitter.com/CukprPMqWS
"In Moldova, there are a lot of similarities with Ukraine: internal pro-Moscow forces, external attempts to change the country's course, and the struggle for the right to determine its own future. We keep our fingers crossed for our neighbors [...], because a strong and democratic Moldova in the EU is another step towards stability and security in our region," said Servant of the People leader Olena Shuliak.
🇲🇩🇪🇺 #Moldova is in the last hours of counting votes in the referendum on European integration. There are a lot of similarities with #Ukraine: internal pro-Moscow forces, external attempts to change the country's course, and the struggle for the right to determine its own future.… pic.twitter.com/nQPbsT3THB
— Olena Shuliak (@OlenaShuliak) October 21, 2024
Moldova’s future is in the European Union, despite attempts to interfere in elections.
— Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib) October 21, 2024
After launching accession talks under the Belgian Presidency, the people of Moldova have reaffirmed their choice for a European path.
Proud to stand with Moldova and you, dear @sandumaiamd.