Moldova's president appeals for more EU support to secure democracy

Moldova's government is in "a race against time to prevail" in the struggle to continue building democracy, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on Tuesday at a gathering of foreign officials in Chișinău.

Sandu made an appeal to foreign governments backing Moldova for more support, stressing that economic progress "is crucial for strengthening support for democracy, and democracy is the best foundation for creating a prosperous economy."

"Moldova is ready to drive growth and stability at home and in the region, but we can't do it alone. So, we count on your further support," she said.

Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, and the country is divided between pro-EU and pro-Russian political forces.

Like Ukraine, Moldova has been a candidate for EU accession since 2022. On October 20, at the same time as the presidential election, Moldova will hold a referendum on whether the goal of joining the EU will be enshrined in the country's constitution.

Supporters of the referendum see it as a step that would cement the country's path towards the European Union. Moldova's government hopes to join the EU by 2030, although many view that timeline as very ambitious.