Brussels, 21 October 2024 (dpa/MIA) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated Moldova and Moldovan President Maia Sandu on the vote in favour of joining the European Union despite accusations of election interference by Russia.

"In the face of Russia’s hybrid tactics, Moldova shows that it is independent, it is strong and it wants a European future!" von der Leyen said on X.

The former Soviet republic has apparently voted by a wafer-thin majority to enshrine a pro-EU course into the constitution, although the result is not final.

The referendum is being closely watched in Brussels, but hopes have been dashed of a strong majority in favour of the EU, which pledged €1.8 billion ($1.9 billion) in economic aid for Moldova this month.

MIA file photo