ISTANBUL

Moldova's foreign minister said Monday his country has no other “viable alternative” to European integration.

The majority of Moldovan citizens expressed their aspirations to be a part of the European family during a referendum held in October last year, but there are others that also saw things differently, Mihai Popsoi said in an interview with local news agency IPN.

“The vast majority of citizens understand that only within the great European family can the Republic of Moldova realize its full potential – economic, cultural and security,” Popsoi said.

He argued that Moldova has been and remains subject to not only an “information war,” but also a full-fledged war, referring to the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine.

Only Moldovans that have not been to EU countries choose to “close their eyes” to the difference between the standard of living, comfort, and security offered by the 27-member bloc and other alternatives, he added.

“In fact, if we look pragmatically, after all the wars of aggression of the Russian Federation – against Georgia, Ukraine and including our country – it is clear that for the Republic of Moldova there is no other viable alternative,” Popsoi noted.

He said the European integration is the “only strategic vector” for a country like Moldova, and that they are confident that more and more of the country’s citizens will support this path in spite of the narrow difference during the referendum.

“Every time, in times of crisis, when our country goes through difficult trials, who comes to our aid? The European Union! While Russian drones fly over our airspace, the EU provides financial support for roads, hospitals, schools and even the defense sector,” he added.

Popsoi went on to accuse Russia of trying to control the information space in Moldova through various methods, and, by extension, trying to manipulate Moldova to influence their vote in favor of pro-Russian politicians.

He said the only solution to this issue is “open, transparent” communication, as well as serious investments in education, and that they can see that only within the European space can Moldova benefit from modern living standards.

“In contrast, … with regret, the so-called ‘Russian world’ brings only destruction and suffering. And we, as a people, have lived this reality not only for decades, but throughout the centuries,” he added.

On Oct. 20, Moldovans headed to the polls to vote on a referendum, as a result of which a narrow “yes” vote emerged to enshrine the country’s path to EU membership in the constitution.

Moldova submitted its application for EU membership on March 3, 2022. The country officially gained candidate status later that year on June 22.