The Moldovan Parliament has unanimously moved forward a resolution affirming the republic’s path toward European integration, a stance that was publicly endorsed by President Maia Sandu and the ruling Action and Solidarity party at a pro-European rally on May 21. NewsMaker reported that 55 members of the 101-seat legislature voiced their support for the initiative. The prevailing backing came primarily from the Action and Solidarity members, with only a single additional MP, Gaik Vartanyan, joining in after having left the opposition bloc of the Communists and Socialists. The published text of the resolution emphasizes European integration as a state priority and signals a clear political commitment to that trajectory. NewsMaker’s coverage notes that the document frames accession to Europe as a national objective rather than a mere political slogan.
Opposition lawmakers pressed for clarity on why there was no formal referendum asking Moldovan voters to decide on EU membership. In response, parliamentary vice president Mihai Popșoi explained that the country is not yet on a trajectory where a referendum would be appropriate or timely, suggesting that the current political and legal conditions do not align with such a direct plebiscite. The explanation points to the practical realities of Moldova’s current alignment with EU accession benchmarks rather than a referendum-driven mandate. NewsMaker’s report captures these exchanges as part of the broader debate over how fast Moldova should move toward European integration.
In a separate critique, former Moldovan President Igor Dodon accused Sandu of using the push for European integration to pursue constitutional changes that would serve her personal political interests. Dodon framed the situation as a maneuver that could reshape Moldova’s basic legal framework in ways that extend beyond ordinary policy discussions. The reaction reflects a broader tension within Moldovan politics about the speed and nature of European reform, and the balance between national sovereignty and the perceived benefits of alignment with European institutions. NewsMaker’s coverage highlights these contested dynamics as part of the ongoing public conversation about Moldova’s future.