Experts: EU support for the defense of the Republic of Moldova does not mean militarization, but protection
The European Union's decision to finance the acquisition of short-range air defense systems for the Republic of Moldova represents a significant step in the EU's role as a guarantor of regional security, according to Tana Foarfă, director of the "Europuls" Expertise Center. Security expert Andrei Curăraru also noted that European support is a "logical complement" to Moldova's defense capabilities, particularly given the threats posed by the Russian Federation. These views were shared during the "In Context" program on Moldova 1 TV.
"This is not about militarizing the Republic of Moldova; rather, it concerns necessary protection, especially since the country has already experienced drone and missile attacks on its territory. These defense systems are a response to incidents that have occurred in the region, and ideally, they could even intercept cruise missiles flying at subsonic speeds," explained Andrei Curararu.
European investments in the defense system of the Republic of Moldova aim to enhance the country's security capabilities in light of the threats posed by the Russian Federation. Curararu emphasized that this support is unrelated to the North Atlantic Alliance. He added that the narrative suggesting that this assistance would lead to Moldova's involvement in a war or closer ties with NATO is a fake claim propagated by the Kremlin.
"We must inform everyone and clarify who the only aggressor in the 21st century on the European continent is—the Russian Federation. The U.S. has proposed a ceasefire, which Ukraine accepts, but the Russian Federation does not. We see attacks on civilian targets, including dead children, and the use of military infrastructure in the Black Sea. The Russian Federation does not wish to end this war, and this understanding also applies to President Trump."
With the military support set to be approved, the European Union is taking an active role in ensuring security on the continent, claims Tana Foarfă, director of the European Expertise Center "Europuls." She stated that the EU was created specifically to promote peace and stability, and the financial support—including enhancing defense capabilities—reflects this commitment.
"The EU is not only providing financial support to the Republic of Moldova but also reinforcing its non-lethal defense infrastructure. The recent package, worth 40 million euros, exemplifies this commitment."
Foarfă pointed out that this investment is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening regional security, demonstrating that European institutions are not merely making declarations of support but are actively taking steps to act on them.
"The EU is reevaluating its support for European countries as well as candidate states. The EU does not want to be taken by surprise and is anticipating challenges, particularly because the Republic of Moldova is a significant actor that must not become a target for attack."
We remind you that the European Union is set to approve, on April 9, a substantial lethal military assistance package for the Republic of Moldova, valued at 20 million euros. According to the document, the funding aims to provide eight short-range air defense systems, each equipped with launchers and a total of 24 missiles. The assistance is intended to modernize Moldova’s defense capabilities by replacing outdated Soviet-era equipment.
This new support follows a recently approved €40 million package for the purchase of high-mobility tactical vehicles and the integration of air defense systems. Together, these two packages bring the total support to €197 million.
The delivery of this equipment will be coordinated by the Estonian Defense Investment Center, which has been collaborating with the authorities in Chisinau since 2023.
