The European Union welcomed on Tuesday the official results of the constitutional referendum and the first round of the presidential election in Moldova.
In a statement by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Josep Borrell, the EU said Moldova's citizens had made a "historic choice" to anchor their future in the European Union.
The referendum on integration into the EU, held on Sunday, produced a narrow victory for the ‘yes’ side, with 50.46% of the vote, while outgoing pro-European president Maia Sandu came out on top in the first round of the presidential poll.
The vote reflected the aspirations of Moldovans for a peaceful, independent, stable, democratic and prosperous Moldova, the EU commented.
However, the election was marked by accusations of vote-buying and interference by Russia, which the EU slammed on Tuesday.
"The European Union condemns the unprecedented malign interference by Russia into Moldova’s presidential elections and constitutional referendum," the High Representative said.
