Parliament in ex-Soviet Moldova voted on Thursday to hold a referendum in October on European Union membership, the cornerstone of President Maia Sandu's policies, alongside a presidential election, Paralel.Az reports citing Reuters.

The proposed Oct. 20 date for the referendum was backed by a total of 56 members in the 101-seat assembly, where Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) holds a majority. Members then quickly approved the same date for the presidential poll, in which Sandu is seeking re-election.