France, Sept. 29 -- France and the European Union have welcomed the victory of the pro-European ruling party in Moldova's parliamentary elections as proof that the the country is on the right track to join the bloc.

Sunday's parliamentary elections- won by the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS)- were seen as crucial for the ex-Soviet republic to maintain its push towards EU integration, launched after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

"Yesterday's vote is a strong mandate for the process of Moldova's accession to the EU," President Maia Sandu of PAS told reporters on Monday.

"We have shown the world that we are brave and worthy, that we did not allow ourselves to be intimidated," she said at a press conference.

The win is se...