EU AMBASSADOR TO MOLDOVA BELIEVES REFERENDUM ON EUROPEAN INTEGRATION CAN BECOME UNIFYING FACTOR FOR PRO-EUROPEAN PARTIES

The European Union Ambassador to Moldova, Janis Mazeiks, believes that "the referendum on European integration of the republic can become a unifying factor for pro-European parties." He said this on Tuesday evening on TV8 channel.

"We see that there are discussions in society about the referendum. This is very good, it shows that there is a lot of interest in European integration. The referendum is also a reason for political forces to make up their minds, so that they do not continue to sit comfortably on two chairs and for the pro-European forces to unite. The pact ("For Europe") proposed by the parties that joined the “Together” bloc, following the example of the Snagov Pact, is also a positive moment, it can become a consolidating factor for pro-European forces," the diplomat believes.

When asked about the timing of the referendum, he said that it is "the sovereign right of each country."

"When to hold a referendum is the decision of each country. It depends on the political situation, on domestic legislation, on the Constitution of some countries. There is no definite position from the EU side - when to hold the referendum and whether it should be held at all. If Moldova decides to hold it, it is its sovereign right. This shows that there is political will. It is a good opportunity to make sure that there is a majority that supports European integration in order to follow this path with more confidence," Mazeiks stressed.

Asked what might happen in case of a change of power in the country and rejection of the European course, he said that in this case the negotiations would stop.

"We have such examples. Everything depends on each country, on the political will inside the country. If there are no reforms, no negotiations, there is no progress. If there is a backsliding in the country, the negotiations may stop," the ambassador outlined.