Moldova tilts towards EU in narrow vote

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu declares a narrow victory for the ‘yes’ side to embed the country’s EU aspirations into the constitution after 99.64% of votes are counted, with a margin of nearly 14,000 votes or 50.46% in favor. The turnout was slightly below 50%. Sandu states this marks the first tough battle won on the path to EU membership. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and former European Council President Donald Tusk commend Moldova’s courage. Sandu emphasizes the need to combat corruption and external attempts to buy votes, reiterating that criminal groups supported by foreign forces tried to purchase up to 300,000 votes. Marie Gad of Danish Industry views the vote as essential, seeing it as a decision to align with the European community rather than Russia in the long term.