EU slams ‘unprecedented interference’ by Russia in Moldova referendum over joining the bloc

BRUSSELS – Moldova’s referendum on joining the European Union took place amid “unprecedented interference” by Russia and its proxies, a European Union spokesman said on Oct 21.

A very slim majority

– 50.17 per cent – voted “yes” in the Oct 20 referendum to insert a clause in the Constitution that would define EU membership as a goal, with fewer than 1.5 per cent of the ballots still to be counted.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who is also seeking re-election, wants Moldova, a small country nestled between EU member Romania and Ukraine, to join the bloc by 2030.

EU spokesman Peter Stano said: “This vote took place under unprecedented interference and intimidation by Russia and its proxies, aiming to destabilise the democratic processes in the Republic of Moldova.”

Russia denies the allegations of meddling. On Oct 21, the Kremlin branded Moldova’s votes as “unfree”.

The referendum and the Moldovan presidential election, which saw its first round taking place also on Oct 20, are seen as a test of whether the former Soviet republic can escape Moscow’s sphere once and for all.

Before the vote, the Moldovan authorities said Mr Ilan Shor, a fugitive tycoon who lives in Russia, made concerted attempts to meddle in the referendum and election.

The authorities said they took down online resources that hosted disinformation and uncovered a programme in Russia to train Moldovans to take part in mass unrest.

Mr Stano said: “This is an ongoing effort from Russia and its proxies – not only in Moldova, indeed also against our countries – and it’s a long-term fight. They don’t have boundaries. We, as the European Union… respect certain principles, including the laws, but Russia and its actors and its proxies do not respect that.” REUTERS