Von der Leyen urged Moldovans to support the country's European course in a referendum

Photo: Ursula von der Leyen and Maia Sandu

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is on a visit to Chisinau, on Thursday, October 10, called on Moldovans to vote in a referendum on October 20 on the country's future membership in the EU. At the same time, she promised Moldova economic support in the amount of 1.8 billion euros, Reuters reports.

Moldova is holding a referendum on whether to cement its EU membership, declared a “strategic goal” in the country's constitution.

The referendum coincides with a presidential election in which Moldovan President Maia Sandu will seek re-election for another four-year term. The country's electoral struggle is taking place amid active Russian interference.

“The people of Moldova have a big milestone ahead… I call on Moldovans to exercise their right to vote and make their free choice,” von der Leyen told reporters about the referendum.

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“It's up to you, Moldovans. It's your sovereign choice what to do in your country, and no one can interfere,” she said, adding that she believes Moldova's place is in the European Union.

Sandu also noted during the same briefing that von der Leyen's visit came at a crucial moment for Moldova.

“Our mission is to build Europe at home,” she said.

Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov said Brussels had pledged a record financial package of 1.8 billion euros over three years to help double the size of Moldova's economy in a decade.

“This plan aims to support reforms, invest in infrastructure, railways and energy efficiency,” the deputy prime minister said.

Sandu said 65 percent of Moldova's exports go to the EU, showing “where our strategic interests lie.”

Sandu, who has strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has led Moldova's push to join the EU and hopes to do so by 2030. Moldova began formal EU accession talks in June.

Polls show Sandu leading 10 other Moldovan presidential hopefuls by a wide margin. They also show that a majority of Moldovans support EU accession.

By Serghei Daga