European integration, enshrined in Moldova’s Constitution

The new Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, modified by the October 20 referendum 20, was published in the Official Gazette of Chișinău

Daniela Budu, 15.11.2024, 13:50

The Republic of Moldova adopted integration into the European Union as a strategic objective, by amending its Constitution. Approved by the October 20 referendum, the decision was published on Wednesday in the Official Gazette. The magistrates of the Constitutional Court confirmed the result of the referendum on October 31, after the Central Electoral Commission decided it was valid, the turnout at the polls being a little over 50%. The referendum was organized at the initiative of president Maia Sandu, who secured a new mandate following last month’s presidential election. Thus, in the new form, the fundamental law provides that integration into the European Union is a strategic objective of the state, the European course is irreversible, and the identity of the people of the Republic of Moldova is European. The new version of the Constitution also includes the fact that Romanian is the official state language in the Republic of Moldova. Analysts argue that, although pro-Kremlin forces could try to sabotage the European integration of the neighboring state, which has now become a strategic objective, it is hard to believe they will be able to form a majority in the remaining time. Political analyst Andrei Curăraru explains:

“It is clear that pro-Kremlin forces will opt for a tough campaign. We may witness sabotage attempts related to the implementation of the framework of negotiations with the European Union through public demonstrations, rallies, protests that can turn violent, to show even Brussels that the Republic of Moldova, in fact, is not so pro- European Union, and that amending the Constitution does not essentially change the situation in the country”.

In turn, the former president of the Constitutional Court in Chișinău, Alexandru Tănase, believes that amending the Constitution with the provisions voted in the referendum is a decision and a ruling of the Constitutional Court only.

“As long as the Constitutional Court, the only constitutional authority with the power to verify the constitutionality of amendments brought to the Constitution, has ruled that this amendment is legal and legitimate, I don’t see who would bother to consider the point of view of the Kremlin or anyone else’s. Speculations will always be made, they will always try to compromise everything related to the European path of the Republic of Moldova, but that does not mean that it has any practical impact or can call into question the process of amending the Constitution”.

Meanwhile, Chișinău announces a series of measures and reforms after the authorities claim they were the target of a disinformation and vote-buying operation in the presidential election and the referendum on the state’s European orientation. On Monday, President Maia Sandu will hold talks with political parties on the subject of justice reform and the fight against electoral corruption, after last week the Supreme Security Council discussed allegations of election fraud. (VP)