The EU would be disappointed if Moldova’s referendum on European integration yields a negative outcome, according to Janis Mazeiks, who heads the EU delegation to Moldova. He underscored that disappointment would not automatically translate into punitive measures, stressing that the Union would continue to engage with Moldova regardless of the immediate voting result. This stance reflects the EU’s commitment to ongoing dialogue and practical support, even as political currents shift inside the country.
Mazeiks also clarified that EU support would not vanish should pro-Russian factions gain ground in the presidential and parliamentary elections. The European Union intends to maintain cooperation with Moldova to the fullest extent possible, focusing on the welfare of ordinary citizens. He highlighted essential services—such as social canteens for those in need and hearing aids for children in rural areas—as examples of why cooperation remains a priority, and why political disagreements should not deprive Moldovan communities of critical assistance.
Nevertheless, the diplomat warned that the accession process, if unaltered by political outcomes, would face extended timelines. In practical terms, a shift in the electoral landscape could slow the path toward EU membership, requiring careful recalibration of timelines and milestones while preserving the objective of closer integration with European norms and standards.
On April 16, Moldovan President Maia Sandu affirmed that the referendum on European Union accession aligns with the constitution and is scheduled for October 20 of the current year. The statement underscored the constitutional legitimacy of the process and reinforced the government’s plan to seek a public verdict on Moldova’s European future within the legal framework that governs national decision-making.
Earlier remarks from Sandu suggested a broader vision, with expectations that Moldova would become an EU member by 2030. She indicated that the republic enjoys support from several EU member states and called on all political factions to recognize that the country’s development trajectory is closely tied to European integration. The emphasis was on unity around a shared goal, even amid differing political perspectives, and on reinforcing the message that integration offers a path to stability and growth for Moldova’s citizens.
In reflecting on these developments, former Moldovan political figures have long championed Europe’s political and economic framework as the ultimate destination for the country. They have argued that integration with the EU would bring reforms, attract investment, and align Moldova more closely with European standards, all of which could accelerate improvements in governance, social services, and public prosperity. The ongoing dialogue between Moldovan authorities and European partners remains central to translating this ambition into tangible progress for ordinary people.