MEP: Referendum result to prompt European Union to speed up Moldova's accession process

Chisinau, Oct. 21 /MOLDPRES/- The referendum result will prompt the European Union to speed up the accession process of the Republic of Moldova. Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Moldova Siegfried Mureșan made the statement today.

The MEP noted that the result of the October 20 elections is a victory for the people of the Republic of Moldova.

"It is a victory against the Russian Federation, which mobilized unprecedented resources in an attempt to influence the outcome of the democratic elections and referendum. The close result of the referendum does not mean that Moldova is divided, but it means that despite the propaganda and massive involvement of the Russian Federation, the people have found the strength to choose Europe," Mureșan said.

He said that in the last four years the Republic of Moldova has made remarkable progress in implementing reforms. "President Maia Sandu, together with the pro-European leadership and the people of the Republic of Moldova have supported the country's European path, managed the effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and ensured security at the EU border," Mureșan added.

He assured that Moldova's European integration will continue after the positive outcome of the referendum. "This positive result will prompt Europe to further increase support for the modernization of the country, the improvement of people's living standards and the preparation of the Republic of Moldova for EU membership. As Chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with the Republic of Moldova, I will make sure that the European Union takes into account the will of the people expressed in the referendum and we offer all necessary support in the accession process. At the same time, as the European Parliament's chief negotiator on €1.8 billion Growth Plan for Moldova, I will make sure that we adopt European legislation as soon as possible so that the money goes where it is needed: in the country's infrastructure, in schools, roads, hospitals, as well as in modernizing public administration and continuing reforms in the justice system", Mureșan added.

According to the preliminary results presented by the Central Electoral Commission, 50.16% of the voters who took part in the referendum on October 20 voted YES and 49.84% voted NO. The runoff election will be organized between Maia Sandu and Alexandr Stoianoglo.