Shore: Moldova's chances of joining the European Union by 2030 are zero

Moldova's chances of joining the European Union by 2030 are zero, as most EU countries are against it, and the membership referendum is a farce, said Ilan Shor, leader of the opposition bloc "Victory".

"Moldova's chances of joining the EU by 2030, let alone by 2028, are zero, and here's why: most EU countries are against it," RIA Novosti quotes Shor as saying.

According to the opposition leader, a number of influential European states, including Austria, the Netherlands, and France, have already openly stated that EU expansion is not among their priorities. Shor particularly noted the paradoxical situation with Romania, which most actively promotes the idea of "reunification," but in practice blocks the export of Moldovan goods.

Shor does not hide his skeptical attitude toward the recent referendum, calling it an outright farce. As proof, he points to significant restrictions on voting for citizens abroad. The situation with Russia is especially indicative, where about half a million Moldovans live, for whom only two polling stations were opened.

Earlier, on April 24, the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, during a visit to Chisinau, stated that Moldova would be able to join the European Union in 2028 if the republic's authorities make progress in the reform process and complete their "homework."

On October 26, it was reported that the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Moldova recognized the referendum on Chisinau's accession to the European Union as valid and approved the results. According to official data, 50.46% of the country's residents voted for Moldova's entry into the EU, while 49.54% voted against.

Yuri Vitnyansky, leader of the youth bloc of "Victory," stated that the population of Moldova is not ready for European integration, as evidenced by the results of the referendum.