Today, the European Union and Moldova held their 8th Security and Defence Dialogue, in Chisinau - the first to take place since the signature of the Security and Defence partnership in May 2024.

The Dialogue provided an opportunity to discuss regional security issues, review on-going relations in security and defence and identify future opportunities and avenues to deepen cooperation.

The EU and Moldova welcomed their deepening partnership in security and defence over the last years and looked forward its further strengthening.

During the dialogue, the EU and Moldova exchanged information on the implementation of the Moldovan National Security Strategy and the EU Strategic Compass for security and defence, and discussed the on-going and future activities of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova, as well as cooperation on addressing hybrid threats, cyber security issues, strategic communication and countering foreign information manipulation and interference.

Recent election and referendum in Moldova tested the resilience of the country. In face of Russia’s on-going hybrid campaign, the Moldovan government has shown remarkable resilience and has committed to take the steps needed to become better prepared to stand up to hybrid threats in the future. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to further support Moldova in this regard, both with strategic advice and operational support.

The EU and Moldova discussed assistance measures under the European Peace Facility to support the capacity building of the Moldovan Armed Forces as well as Moldova’s further engagement with the EU on security and defence. The EU praised Moldova’s active contribution to the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations.

The EEAS Director for Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management, Cosmin Dobran, represented the EU during the Dialogue. Moldova was represented by the Head of Directorate for Cooperation with the EU of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alexandru Codreanu.