---
title: "Moldovan President calls for historic vote on EU membership"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/27530/moldovan-president-calls-for-historic-vote-on-eu-membership
published: 2023-12-27T10:35:28Z
language: en
author: "Olga Mînzat"
section: "Political"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Moldovan President calls for historic vote on EU membership

> Moldova's President Maia Sandu has set the stage for a pivotal national referendum in autumn 2024, placing the country's European integration aspirations directly in the hands of its citizens.

Moldova's President Maia Sandu has set the stage for a pivotal national referendum in autumn 2024, placing the country's European integration aspirations directly in the hands of its citizens.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/d47cb4d6-7cdf-484d-9a47-5747d2eabd8e.jpg)

In a recent interview with Veridica.ro, Sandu declared, *"This autumn, Moldovans will decide whether to move forward on the path of European integration or turn back."*

The referendum, encompassing the entire nation, presents a stark choice: embrace the potential for economic and political alignment with the European Union, or chart an alternative course. Sandu emphasised the central role of citizen participation, stating, *"The voice of the people will be decisive in determining Moldova's future."*

This announcement reinforces Sandu's longstanding commitment to EU integration, furthered by her recent call during her three-year anniversary address for Parliament to facilitate the referendum. It reflects a vision for Moldova beyond its previous economic dependence on Russia, as exemplified by Sandu's statement, *"We have freed ourselves from total dependence on Russian gas and the Russian market."*

The referendum poses a crucial question for Moldova. Will it continue its journey towards closer alignment with the Western bloc, potentially unlocking new economic opportunities and political stability? Or will it seek a different path, one with potentially distinct implications for its future course. The autumn vote will serve as a defining moment for Moldova's trajectory, with the people themselves holding the power to shape the direction of their nation.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**