The public association “Moldova Platform” informed representatives of the diplomatic corps in Moldova about its intention to subject the confirmation of the inviolability of the country’s status of neutrality to the people’s vote. Also, the association considers that holding a referendum on Moldova’s accession to the European Union simultaneously with this year’s presidential election will affect “the country’s strategic goal of integration into the EU”, IPN reports, with reference to a press release published on social media websites.

In a letter addressed to resident ambassadors, the head of “Moldova Platform” Irina Vlah says she is convinced that this question should be included in the referendum on accession to the EU, which was proposed by President Maia Sandu. She notes that the organization of the referendum proposed by the President this year is a pre-electoral move that will harm Moldova’s strategic goal.

“Regardless of the results, the plebiscite “on accession to the EU” from the start is meaningless. The subject of accession to the European Union can be put up at a referendum only after the negotiation process is over, when the accession agreement is already signed and ratified, and the deadlines for accession to the EU are defined,” wrote Irina Vlah.

The letter says that “given the strategic goal of European integration, the Republic of Moldova should  maintain its neutrality regarding involvement in military blocs and coalitions.”

“As for Maia Sandu’s attempt to monopolize the idea of integration, such actions will not strengthen society. That is why the topics proposed in the referendum must be the result of discussions with the general public, with the participation of the government, opposition and civil society,” the head of “Moldova Platform” noted.

“In this connection, “Moldova Platform” came up with the initiative to include in the referendum the issue of inviolability of the status of neutrality of the Republic of Moldova. This status responds to the national interests of our country and the possibility of confirming it in a referendum opens up the opportunity for expanding the circle of supporters of Moldova’s European future”.

In December 2023, President Maia Sandu proposed organizing a referendum on Moldova’s accession to the European Union. Subsequently, Parliament amended the electoral legislation so that the referendum could be held simultaneously with the presidential election. Later, Irina Vlah, in a press conference, asked that the referendum should include the question about the country’s neutrality.