Two countries, Moldova and Georgia, hold pivotal votes in the coming days that will decide their future path in Europe. Both have both felt the shadow of Russia’s war in Ukraine, and both are former Soviet republics.

Moldova's pro-Western president, Maia Sandu, is seeking a second term in a presidential election on Oct. 20, when the country will also hold a referendum on joining the European Union.

Voters in Moldova will cast their ballots Sunday in two crucial votes, which have been billed as the most consequential in the country’s post-Soviet history. One is for president, the other a referendum on eventual European Union membership.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has reaffirmed Germany's commitment to supporting Moldova on its journey toward European Union membership, as the country prepares for a presidential election and EU referendum this Sunday.