On 22 March 2015, the EA GROUP 1st Vice President Karim Van Overmeire took part in a joint CoR-Council of Europe Election observation Mission in the autonomous region of Gagauzia (Moldova). This election was for a Bashkan (Governor) of the autonomous region who automatically becomes a member of the government which is currently pro EU and based in Chisinau.
Karim Van Overmeire reported that despite the advice provided over the years by the EU and the Council of Europe, and despite the financial assistance, concerns were expressed that the outcome of the Bashkan election would have a predictable conclusion. For instance several candidates expressed concerns that they could not compete with the resources being allocated in favour of the female candidate, Ms Vlakh from the socialist party candidate on a "Closer to Russia" platform.
In a referendum conducted in February 2014 (and paid for by a Russian businessman) some 98% voted that they did not wish to be closer to Europe and wished to belong to a "customs union" with Russia. This referendum has not been recognised by other authorities. Gagauzia has been allowed to maintain its status – with its own flag, anthem, government building, administration and funds from central government. It has three languages, Romanian, Gagauzian (Turkic) and Russian.
