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2024 Moldovan European Union membership referendum

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A nationwide referendum is scheduled to be held in Moldova in autumn 2024 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 European trajectory.[1][2]

Incumbent president Maia Sandu is campaigning for the yes side in the referendum.[3]

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.[4] Subsequently, in June of the same year, Moldova was granted the status of a candidate country by the European Council.[5] In December 2023, the European Council announced its decision to open accession negotiations with Moldova.[6] Moldova set a target date of 2030 for EU Accession.[7]

President Sandu had announced in 2023 her intention to seek re-election.[1] 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.[1] 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.[8]

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."[1]

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.[9]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Moldova to hold EU accession referendum in autumn". SeeNews. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  2. ^ "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.
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ "Moldova officially applies for EU membership". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  5. ^ "EU leaders grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status". POLITICO. 2022-06-23. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ "Moldova sets 2030 as EU accession target at massive pro-EU rally in Chisinau". 22 May 2023.
  8. ^ Solovyov, Vladimir. "Moldova's Sandu Stakes Reelection on EU Integration". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
  9. ^ "Moldovan Parliament backs bid to join EU, but divisions remain". Euractiv. 2024-03-22.
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