The European Union plans to significantly increase military assistance for Moldova by doubling the funding allocated through the European Peace Facility (EPF), EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced in Chișinău during a joint press conference with President Maia Sandu on May 9. During another joint press conference in Chisinau, the president of Cyprus announced that Moldova will open the first cluster of accession negotiations in June.

The increased support comes as Moldova faces growing security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine and what Moldovan authorities describe as hybrid attacks and destabilisation attempts by Moscow.

“We want a stronger, more secure Moldova, better able to protect its citizens. About €200mn have already been provided through the European Peace Facility,” Kallas said, according to MoldStreet.

Under the proposal, annual EPF support for Moldova would rise to €120mn, potentially making it the largest assistance package of this type granted by the EU to a single country. The measure still requires approval from EU member states.

President Maia Sandu welcomed the initiative, describing it as essential for modernising the country’s defence sector and strengthening resilience.

“With every investment in our security capabilities, Moldova becomes a stronger partner for the stability of the region,” Sandu said.

Kallas stated that the additional funds would support the modernisation of Moldova’s armed forces and improve the country’s capacity to respond to security threats. She highlighted the recent delivery of a new radar system designed to detect drones and other aerial objects violating Moldovan airspace, incidents that have repeatedly occurred since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The EU official also reaffirmed Brussels’ support for Moldova in countering disinformation and hybrid warfare tactics. The European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM) will continue cooperation with Moldovan institutions aimed at strengthening long-term resilience against foreign interference, she said.

Moldova to open first negotiation cluster in June

During the same event organised by Moldova over the weekend dedicated to the European Union, the president of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, announced during a joint conference with Sandu that Moldova's first cluster of accession negotiations is expected to enter a new stage in June.

"The basic objective of the Cyprus presidency remains the official opening of the negotiation chapters, starting with Chapter 1, in June," the president of Cyprus stated, according to Deschide.

Christodoulides noted that the first chapter, on fundamental issues, is the "backbone" of the accession negotiations, covering areas such as the rule of law, justice reform and fundamental rights.

He mentioned that, together with the Moldovan authorities and the European Commission, technical preparations for the remaining negotiation chapters have been completed.

"It is a merit-based process. When candidate countries, like the Republic of Moldova, deliver results, the European Union must also honour its promises. Moldova's future is European," said the president of Cyprus.