Moldova and Georgia: Two countries facing key votes on future role in Europe

Both have both felt the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and both are former Soviet republics.

British Broadcasting CorporationWatchHomeNewsUS ElectionSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthVideoLiveHomeNewsIsrael-Gaza WarWar in UkraineUS & CanadaUKUK PoliticsEnglandN. IrelandN. Ireland PoliticsScotlandScotland PoliticsWalesWales PoliticsAfricaAsiaChinaIndiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastIn PicturesBBC InDepthBBC VerifyUS ElectionElection pollsKamala HarrisDonald TrumpJD VanceTim WalzSportBusinessExecutive LoungeTechnology of BusinessWomen at the HelmFuture of BusinessInnovationTechnologyScience & HealthArtificial IntelligenceAI v the MindCultureFilm & TVMusicArt & DesignStyleBooksEntertainment NewsArtsArts in MotionTravelDestinationsAfricaAntarcticaAsiaAustralia and PacificCaribbean & BermudaCentral AmericaEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaSouth AmericaWorld’s TableCulture & ExperiencesAdventuresThe SpeciaListEarthNatural WondersWeather & ScienceClimate SolutionsSustainable BusinessGreen LivingVideoLiveLive NewsLive SportHomeNewsUS ElectionSportBusinessInnovationCultureArtsTravelEarthVideoLiveAudioWeatherNewslettersDecision time for two countries on future role in EuropeEPAAnti-government protests on the streets of Georgia's capital last spring drew thousandsTwo countries, Moldova and Georgia, hold pivotal votes in the coming days that will decide their future path in Europe.

Both have felt the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and both are former Soviet republics.

While Moldova’s pro-EU president Maia Sandu is favourite to win and talks have begun on joining the European Union, the government in Georgia has been accused of “democratic backsliding” and turning away from Europe.

Moldovans go to the polls on Sunday in a referendum on enshrining Moldova's path to EU membership in the constitution - alongside the presidential election.

A Yes vote would consolidate Moldova's status as a pro-Western, EU-facing country. It would also mean Moldova having to set out on a long path of democratic and judicial reforms to ensure it adheres to EU standards.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0e13yrg8ryo

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