Moldova election results bring relief to European leaders.

• At the weekend, Maia Sandu won Moldova's presidential election and was congratulated by European leaders.
• In the second round of voting in the former Soviet republic, Maia Sandu, the incumbent, faced off against Alexandr Stoianoglo, her Russia-backed Socialist opponent, after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round last month.

The pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu won the presidential election in Moldova over the weekend, and was congratulated by European leaders. This outcome is viewed as a significant step towards Moldova's integration with the bloc.

In the second round of voting, Maia Sandu, the incumbent, faced off against Alexandr Stoianoglo, her Russia-backed Party of Socialists opponent, after neither candidate secured a majority in the first round in May.

On Monday morning, with 99.9% of the responses counted, Sandu won 55.4% of the vote, while Stoianoglo received 44.6%, according to Moldova's Central Electoral Commission.

On Sunday, Sandu expressed gratitude to her supporters, both at home and abroad, after over 300,000 people voted for her overseas, increasing her chances of winning.

"Moldova, today you are triumphant. Our unity, democracy, and dedication to a respectful future have been demonstrated through our collective efforts. Thank you, esteemed Moldovans, both domestically and abroad. Let us march with confidence—we are the embodiment of freedom, optimism, and tenacity. I am honored to represent you all," Sandu declared on social media platform X.

Nestled between Ukraine and Romania, the predominantly agricultural country of 3 million inhabitants is torn between staying aligned with Russia and pursuing a future with Europe.

Moldova and Georgia accused Russia of interfering in their respective presidential and parliamentary elections last month, with the Georgian Dream party, which is pro-Russian, winning. Moscow denied the allegations and accused the West of meddling in the Georgian vote.

The referendum held in Moldova last month, which sought to enshrine the pursuit of EU membership in the country's constitution, resulted in a slim majority vote in favor of the move. This weekend's election follows this referendum.

The result of Sandu's victory has been met with approval by European leaders who are concerned about Russia's growing influence in their region.

On Sunday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Sandu on steering the Republic of Moldova through challenging times and setting the country on a European course. He pledged his support for Moldova.

French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Sandu on her re-election, stating on X that "democracy has prevailed over all attempts at interference and manipulation." He added that France will remain committed to supporting Moldova on its journey towards Europe.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, also commended Maia Sandu, saying on X, "It takes a unique kind of resilience to overcome the obstacles you've faced during this election. I'm thrilled to continue collaborating with you towards a brighter European future for Moldova and its citizens."