2024 Moldovan European Union membership referendum

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A nationwide referendum is scheduled to be held in Moldova on 20 October 2024[1] on whether the country should amend the Constitution of Moldova to include the Moldovan citizens' wish for European Union membership, in order to prevent future governments from derailing the country from its pro-European trajectory.[2][3]

Incumbent president Maia Sandu is campaigning for the "yes" side in the referendum.[4]

Background

See also: Accession of Moldova to the European Union

In March 2022, following Russia's invasion of neighboring Ukraine, Moldova submitted an application for EU membership.[5] Subsequently, in June of the same year, Moldova was granted the status of a candidate country by the European Council.[6] In December 2023, the European Council announced its decision to open accession negotiations with Moldova.[7] Moldova set a target date of 2030 for EU accession.[8]

President Sandu had announced in 2023 her intention to seek re-election.[2] Additionally, Sandu announced the launch of an online platform aimed at promoting the referendum and advocating for the benefits of EU membership to the country.[2] Observers noted Sandu is gearing up to focus her efforts on EU integration, an area where she and her party PAS have experienced consistent success in order to be re-elected.[9]

The Parliament of Moldova will determine the date for the referendum, although Sandu expressed her hope that it will coincide with the presidential elections scheduled for the autumn. Sandu said; "It is important to hold a referendum now because it is a historic occasion, awaited for three decades. The European Union member states are more open than ever, we have the necessary political will for this step, and our citizens want to be part of the EU."[2]

On 21 March 2024, the Parliament endorsed a resolution of 54-to-0 to continue the efforts to join the European Union. The declaration asserted, "Only joining Europe can ensure the future of the country as a sovereign, neutral, and fully democratic state". During the vote, all opposition parties in parliament walked out.[10]

Gagauzia

On 2 February 2014, the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia held two referendums on European integration. In one, 98.4% voted in favour of joining the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia, while in the second 97.2% opposed further integration with the EU. 98.9% also supported the proposition that Gagauzia could declare independence if Moldova unified with Romania.[11] There is concern in Gagauzia that Moldova's integration with the EU could lead to such a unification with EU member Romania, which is unpopular in the autonomous region.[12]

Campaign

At a meeting in Moscow on 21 April 2024, five opposition parties, namely the Șor Party, the Revival Party, Chance, Victorie and the Alternative Force for Saving Moldova, announced the formation of an alliance called Victorie (Victory) to oppose EU membership and seek closer relations with Russia. The leader of Gagauzia, Evghenia Guțul, also expressed support for the movement, which revolves around Șor Party leader Ilan Shor. Moldovan Infrastructure Minister Andrei Spînu called the members of the coalition traitors and suggested that it had been formed “right next to the Kremlin.”[13]

References

  1. ^ "Moldova announces presidential elections, EU accession referendum for October". TVP World. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  2. ^ a b c d "Moldova to hold EU accession referendum in autumn". SeeNews. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  3. ^ "Moldovan president launches campaign to promote EU referendum". Reuters. 2024-03-18. The referendum would vote on enshrining Moldova's EU ambitions in the constitution ensuring that the bid is not derailed by future governments.
  4. ^ "Moldovan president launches campaign to promote EU referendum". Reuters. 2024-03-18. President Maia Sandu launched a campaign to promote an upcoming referendum on Moldova's push to join the European Union on Monday, calling on civil leaders to rally support for the country's accession to the 27-member bloc.
  5. ^ "Moldova officially applies for EU membership". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  6. ^ "EU leaders grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status". POLITICO. 2022-06-23. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  7. ^ euser (2023-12-17). "European Council decides to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, grants candidate status to Georgia". EU4Digital. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  8. ^ "Moldova sets 2030 as EU accession target at massive pro-EU rally in Chisinau". 22 May 2023.
  9. ^ Solovyov, Vladimir. "Moldova's Sandu Stakes Reelection on EU Integration". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
  10. ^ "Moldovan Parliament backs bid to join EU, but divisions remain". Euractiv. 2024-03-22.
  11. ^ "Gagauzia Voters Reject Closer EU Ties For Moldova". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2014-02-03. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
  12. ^ "Concerned About EU Integration, Moldova's Gagauz Region Holds Disputed Referendum". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2014-02-02. Retrieved 2014-03-04.
  13. ^ "Moldovan opposition announces new election bloc at Moscow event". Reuters. 21 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
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