The European Parliament has ratified Moldova's political and trade agreement with the European Union.
The Association Agreement, signed by Moldova in June, was approved by a vote of 535 to 94 on November 13.
It now requires ratification by the parliaments of all 28 EU member states.
However, the agreement already came into force provisionally on September 1, in order to allow Moldova to reap some of its economic benefits as soon as possible.
The move aims to create closer political ties and remove trade barriers between the European Union and the former Soviet republic, which borders Ukraine and EU member Romania.
Russia is against such agreements between the EU and former Soviet republics, arguing that the deals could harm its economic interests. Moscow has threatened to retaliate with higher tariffs and stricter import inspections.
But EU and Moldovan officials have insisted their partnership should not be seen as a provocation.
The speaker of Moldova’s parliament, Igor Corman, said: "This agreement is not against anyone. This is an agreement in favor of...the citizens of Moldova."
