The Republic of Moldova remains alone in front of a direct armed attack even if it takes part in a series of platforms and forums form which it gets external assistance in security and defense. The NATO “umbrella” wasn’t opened even above Ukraine, which does not form part of the Alliance, but embodies the struggle between the West and the East, Elena Mârzac, executive director of the Information and Documentation Center on NATO in Chisinau, stated in a pubic debate staged by IPN News Agency.

The expert said Moldova can build its resilience with the assistance of the OSCE, the EU, NATO, the UN and based on bilateral relations with such states as the U.S., the UK, the Baltic countries and others. “Today we discussed the threats faced by the Republic of Moldova – military and hybrid ones: cybernetic, disinformation. We must admit that we cannot coupe alone with these threats,” she stated.

The expert gave as an example Finland and Sweden, which are neutral states with modern armies. Being aware of the danger they face, they took measures to come out of the risk area by applying to join NATO, while for the Republic of Moldova the status of neutrality is the only shield.

The Republic of Moldova, as Ukraine, is only a partner of the Alliance and it should not expect a security “umbrella” from NATO or the application of Article 5 that is based on the principle ”all for one”. The case of Ukraine is “specific” as it goes to a confrontation between the East and the West. “Ukraine’s resistance implies a success for European security,” stated Elena Mârzac.

She considers the cooperation with NATO is beneficial to Moldova. Strategic communication and the support for the citizens are important. The security culture of the citizens is rather low and cooperation with NATO is supported by less than 50% of respondents of polls. The eventual accession to NATO is supported by less than 30%. This attitude has persisted during many years.

Elena Mârzac considers that the perception of the risks faced now by the Republic of Moldova is different. “Some consider the risks come from the East, while others believe these come from the West. Some say that Romania can help us in case of aggression, while others consider Russia can help. This is due to the low culture, to the incapacity to analyze and to the lack of accurate information. There is even disinformation, a very harsh information war that fuels the false information that the neutral state Republic of Moldova cannot cooperate with alliances and military organizations. Despite these perceptions, our state takes part in peacekeeping missions of the United Nations and the OSCE, which brings it experience and modernization,” said the expert.

The public debate entitled “How did Moldova reach G7 Summit and what should it do to take the foreign opportunities and build state resilience and defend citizens?” was the 246th installment of IPN’s project “Developing Political Culture through Public Debates” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation.