The second EU-Republic of Moldova High-Level Political and Security Dialogue was held in Brussels on 23 and 24 March, following its launch in Chisinau on 18 March 2022.

The high-level dialogue reconfirmed the mutual commitment and interest of the parties to enhance and intensify cooperation in the field of foreign and security policy, in line with a new strategic phase of EU-Moldova relations following the decision of the European Council in June 2022 to grant EU candidate status to the Republic of Moldova.

Deputy Secretary-General Enrique Mora said: “Our exchange on the security challenges Moldova is facing could not be timelier given the persistent attempts by Russia and its proxies to destabilise the country. The EU continues to stand in strong solidarity with Moldova and will continue supporting it in its reform process as well as by strengthening its resilience on several dimensions. The EU is engaged in stepping up its partnership with Moldova in the field of defence and security, having in mind the new strategic phase of our relations since Moldova became an EU candidate country last year. In the present difficult environment for Moldova’s and wider European security, we remain committed to strengthening the capacities of the Moldovan government and working together on addressing issues of common interest”.

Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu said: “Our security and defence cooperation with the EU is truly advancing to a new strategic level. EU support to Moldova is already provided through multiple instruments and is aimed at strengthening stability and resilience against key challenges. Moldova is also willing to contribute more to the EU CSDP missions. In coming months we will step up cooperation on countering hybrid threats, disinformation, strengthen cyber security, crisis management. All this is a very important part of Moldova’s accession process to the EU.”

The participants had a comprehensive exchange on the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine for both Moldova and the region.  The EU welcomed the firm position taken by Moldova in condemning Russia’s aggression. The EU also commended Moldova’s support in the context of the EU Solidarity Lanes initiative.  The participants took note that Moldova has also initiated the process of gradually increasing its alignment with EU sanctions.

The participants discussed the challenges Moldova is facing as a consequence of Russia’s hybrid actions, including weaponisation of energy and organised protests. The EU expressed full solidarity and high appreciation for Republic of Moldova’s resilience in the face of all the pressures.  

Cooperation in the field of security was a central topic of discussion. The EU expressed appreciation for Moldova’s continued participation in the EU Training Mission to Mali and welcomed its interest to contribute to EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union Training Mission in Somalia. Continuation of EU support through the European Peace Facility was discussed as well. The Moldovan side expressed its appreciation for the EU’s assistance and expertise-sharing in the area of cyber security, hybrid threats and fighting disinformation.

The participants also discussed the state of play of the Transnistrian conflict settlement process.  The EU reiterated its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders with a special status for the Transnistrian region. The parties reaffirmed their commitment towards a comprehensive, peaceful and sustainable settlement of the Transnistrian conflict within the framework of the 5+2 format.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs / Political Director of the European External Action Service, Mr Enrique Mora, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Mr Nicu Popescu.