The European Union is committed to intensifying its partnership with Moldova in the field of defense and security, considering the new strategic stage of the EU-Moldova relations and our country’s membership bid. This was stated by Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary General for Political Affairs and Director of the European External Action Service, during the second EU-Moldova High-Level Political and Security Dialogue.
Enrique Mora stated that in the current difficult context for the security of the Republic of Moldova and Europe in general, the EU maintains its commitment to strengthen the capacities of the Moldovan government and to work together to address matters of common interest. “Our exchange of views on the security challenges facing Moldova could not be timelier, given the persistent attempts by Russia and its proxies to destabilize the country. The EU continues to stand in solidarity with Moldova and will continue to support it in the reform process, as well as by strengthening its capacity for resistance on several dimensions”, said Enrique Mora.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Moldova’s security and defense cooperation with the EU is truly advancing to a new strategic level. “EU’s support for the Republic of Moldova is already provided through several instruments and aims to strengthen stability and resilience in the face of major challenges. Also, Moldova is willing to contribute more to the EU’s CSDP missions. In the coming months, we will step up cooperation on countering hybrid threats, disinformation, strengthening cyber security, crisis management. All this represents a very important part of the accession process of the Republic of Moldova to the EU”, said Popescu.
The officials discussed the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova as a result of Russia’s hybrid actions, including the use of energy as a weapon and organized protests. Security cooperation was a central topic of discussion. The EU expressed its appreciation for the Republic of Moldova’s continued participation in the EU Training Mission in Mali and welcomed its interest in contributing to EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Training Mission in Somalia. The continuation of EU support through the European Instrument for Peace was also discussed.
The second EU-Moldova High-Level Political and Security Dialogue took place in Brussels during March 23 and 24, after its launch in Chisinau on March 18, 2022.
