Germany's Baerbock relieved as Moldova votes by a whisker for EU plan

Germany Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has expressed her relief at Moldovans narrowly voting in favour of enshrining the government's course towards the European Union in the constitution.

According to the Moldovan electoral authorities, 50.46% voted in favour of a pro-European course after all votes were counted. Moldova lies between EU state Romania and Ukraine and has long been torn between the West and Russia.

"Yes, it was very close. But it is a great relief for all of us and we offer our heartfelt congratulations," she said at a joint appearance with counterparts from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in Berlin.

Baerbock called Moldova's EU strategy "the best security guarantee for the local people so they can live in peace and freedom in the future."

With regard to her Nordic colleagues, she added: ‘We are 100% united and determined in our support not only for Ukraine, but also for Moldova."

Two and a half years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin not only attacked Ukraine, but also Moldova - "in this case not with an army, but with hybrid warfare," the German foreign minister added.