In the context of cooperation with NATO, Moldova’s defense budget has been gradually increased through the the Defense Capacity Building Initiative, said Gheorghe Oarză, department head at the Ministry of Defense, during a round table organized by the Information and Documentation Center on NATO. The Defense Capacity Building Initiative was launched by the allies in June 2014 at the NATO summit in Wales.
“Moldova has shown interest in joining this initiative. Thus, a process of developing a roadmap regarding the adherence to this initiative was initiated”, said Gheorghe Oarză. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, SIS and other structures related to the security and defense sector participated in this process. This shows that addressing risks and threats to the security and defense system is complex and involves other state institutions, not just the National Army. The roadmap was presented to NATO and, since 2015, Moldova has been accepted as part of the Initiative, through which several joint projects and programs are underway, said Gheorghe Oarză.
“This collaboration was initially divided into two phases. The first provided activities focused on shaping the policy framework, the legal framework, normative acts, to create a system that will allow us to assess risks and threats, to determine what are the future visions in the field of security and defense. During four years, Moldova has received assistance and advice in developing a framework of strategic guidelines for policy documents, such as the National Defense Strategy, the Military Strategy. Development plans have been created, with their connection to the budget. Procurement processes have been carried out in the field of defense”, said Oarză.
The second phase is more focused on assistance, including technical and material, for projects to develop defense capabilities, to be launched or already underway. Also in the context of cooperation within the Initiative, the NATO Liaison Center was opened in Chisinau.
Among the most important projects, Gheorghe Oarză mentioned the Project for the development of the strategic planning system. “Currently we are on the final stretch to develop all the necessary documents to finalize this system,” said Gheorghe Oarză.
