Pro-Russian political forces will step up efforts to destabilize Moldova ahead of the October presidential election and referendum on Moldova's EU integration, slowing and potentially endangering Chisinau's pro-European course. On April 16, the Moldovan Constitutional Court approved holding a referendum on constitutional amendments proposed by the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) regarding the country's European integration. The referendum will mandate several text changes and additions to Moldova's constitution ''reaffirming the European identity of the people of Moldova'' and the ''irreversibility of Moldova's European course.'' Referendum participants will be asked, ''Do you support Moldova's accession to the European Union?'' -- a provision that a majority of Moldovans are expected to support. The referendum is aimed at boosting the electoral chances of incumbent president Maya Sandu, because it will take place simultaneously with the first round of the country's presidential election on Oct. 20. On April 22, Moldovan pro-Russia opposition politicians...
