Oana Lungescu on Moldova 1 TV: EU accession and NATO partnership are “a guarantee of Moldova’s sovereign future”
The Republic of Moldova will not take part directly in the official discussions at the NATO summit in The Hague, which includes the 32 allied states. However, it will be represented through a strategic partnership supported by Romania. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently mentioned in a press conference that Romania has taken on the role of mediating Moldova's security interests in its relationship with the North Atlantic Alliance.
In an interview with Moldova1, former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu highlighted Romania's strategic position within NATO and its strengthened political and diplomatic relations, which support the Republic of Moldova in Euro-Atlantic discussions.
According to Lungescu, this strategic position is acknowledged at high levels and reflects a "deep understanding of the delicate geostrategic situation of the Republic of Moldova, situated between Ukraine and the European Union."
In contrast, Ukraine will be represented at the NATO summit by President Volodymyr Zelensky and Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, who will participate in the NATO-Ukraine Council, which will be held concurrently with the summit.
Although the Republic of Moldova is not a NATO member, it remains an important partner, and its relationship with the Alliance is shaped according to its national needs.
"The Republic of Moldova has long been a partner of NATO, which, as Secretary General Rutte stated, strengthens its relations with NATO to the extent that it deems beneficial for its national interests. The partnership with NATO is not one in which the Republic of Moldova or any other partner country is forced to act in a certain way; it depends on each country’s individual needs," Lungescu emphasized for Moldova1 TV.
She pointed out that, given the current context of the war in Ukraine and rising tensions with Russia—considered an aggressor state with expansionist intentions—the international community views the Republic of Moldova as vulnerable and in need of stronger defense capabilities and enhanced economic and social resilience.
"Every country in Europe must carefully evaluate how it can defend itself, primarily through its own capabilities, along with the continental and international relationships it maintains. The Republic of Moldova has gained much more international and European attention since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine than it did previously. This moment reflects a focused attention on the sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova. However, Moldova must prioritize building a strong and resilient economy and society. Resistance to external influence or aggression is an important issue for NATO countries and for the Republic of Moldova, which has experienced firsthand what external interference and pressure entail, particularly during the presidential elections and the referendum on joining the European Union. Support for efforts to join the European Union, which represents a crucial guarantee of a prosperous and sovereign future for the Republic of Moldova, is a vital element of resilience, along with partnerships with NATO, European countries, and the United States," Lungescu added.
Lungescu also mentioned that all NATO members will agree at the summit in The Hague to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. This figure is divided into two parts: 3.5% for military equipment (such as tanks, planes, and drones) and troops, and 1.5% for infrastructure, cyber defense, and resilience.
According to Lungescu, Romania has made significant progress in boosting military spending, and now it must take on the responsibility to invest even more in defense. She suggested that close cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Romania could help strengthen defense capabilities.
"It is important not only to allocate funding for defense but also to ensure we have the capabilities and industrial base to create necessary resources. We need to explore, perhaps in the Republic of Moldova, how to cooperate more closely with Romania and other NATO and EU countries regarding our own defense capabilities. Participation of the Republic of Moldova in the KFOR mission in Kosovo and in NATO exercises will undoubtedly aid in strengthening Moldova's military capabilities," Lungescu stated.
We remind you that the NATO summit is taking place on June 24-25 at the World Forum in The Hague. The summit gathers heads of state and government, ministers, experts, opinion leaders, young people, and academics to discuss current topics related to peace and security at the North Atlantic level.
