On Sunday 20 October, the citizens of the Republic of Moldova exercised their democratic right to vote in the first round of the presidential elections and the referendum on enshrining EU accession in their constitution.

The European Union commends the authorities for the organisation of the electoral process and of the referendum in accordance with democratic standards.

The European Union welcomes the outcome of the referendum. The citizens of the Republic of Moldova made a historic choice to anchor their future within the European Union, despite massive interference and a hybrid campaign by Russia and its proxies to undermine the democratic vote in Moldova. This vote reflects their aspirations for a peaceful, independent, stable, democratic, and prosperous Moldova.

The European Union condemns the unprecedented malign interference by Russia into Moldova’s presidential elections and constitutional referendum. We will continue supporting the Republic of Moldova’s resilience and progress on its EU accession path.