Moldova Chooses EU, Faces Rocky Road to Accession
Chisinau, Moldova – September 30, 2025 – Moldovans overwhelmingly voted in favor of European Union membership in a referendum held today, signaling a decisive shift westward for the small Eastern European nation. Preliminary results indicate over 78% of voters supported constitutional amendments paving the way for EU integration,despite ongoing challenges including a separatist conflict,economic vulnerability,and external pressure.
The referendum outcome reflects a growing desire among moldovans to distance themselves from Russia‘s sphere of influence and align with democratic values and economic opportunities offered by the EU. While the vote is a meaningful step, significant hurdles remain before Moldova can realistically join the bloc. These include tackling widespread corruption, reforming its judicial system, and resolving the decades-long conflict in Transnistria, a breakaway region backed by Moscow. The EU granted Moldova candidate status in June 2022, alongside Ukraine, but the accession process is expected to take years, contingent on substantial progress in key reform areas.
Moldova’s geopolitical position has been particularly precarious since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.The conflict has heightened fears of Russian aggression and destabilization attempts within Moldova, particularly concerning Transnistria. The country has also experienced a severe energy crisis, largely due to its past dependence on Russian gas.
“This is a historic moment for Moldova,” stated President Maia Sandu in a televised address following the vote. “The citizens have clearly expressed their desire for a European future. Now, the real work begins – implementing the necessary reforms to meet the EU’s standards and build a prosperous, democratic Moldova.”
The constitutional changes approved in the referendum prioritize EU law over national legislation in cases of conflict and enshrine the country’s commitment to European integration. However,pro-Russian factions within Moldova have actively campaigned against the EU path,raising concerns about potential political instability and attempts to undermine the reform process.
Analysts at Crisis Group note that securing Moldova’s energy independence and resolving the Transnistria conflict are critical to ensuring a stable path toward EU membership. The country’s vulnerability to disinformation campaigns and external interference also poses a significant challenge. The EU has pledged financial and technical assistance to support Moldova’s reforms, but the success of its integration efforts will ultimately depend on the country’s own commitment to good governance and the rule of law.
