EU and Moldova Set to Sign Security Pact Next Week
The European Union and Moldova are set to sign a security agreement next week, boosting cooperation on defence, cyber threats and foreign interference to "unprecedented levels", the Financial Times reports.
Situated between Ukraine and NATO and EU member Romania, the former Soviet republic of Moldova has reacted sharply to Russia's full-scale military invasion of its neighbour Ukraine with a sharp turn towards the West. Moldova has become an official candidate for EU membership and is eager to revise its judicial, economic and security policies as soon as possible. Chisinau has openly ignored Moscow's warnings that closer Western integration could lead to a Ukraine-like fate
Under the EU proposal, seen by the Financial Times, Moldova would increase intelligence sharing, hold joint military exercises and be included in the bloc's joint arms procurement - measures that would be the deepest formal step yet to link its national defence with Western partners. However, the country's constitution proclaims "permanent neutrality" and excludes NATO membership.
Thus, the proposed "security and defence partnership" with Brussels comes despite repeated warnings from Russian officials that Moldova could suffer the same fate as Ukraine.
Last October, Moldova, which for the first time officially declared Russia a "security threat," signed a bilateral security agreement with France and receives some EU funding to strengthen its defence capabilities.
"The new security partnership with Brussels will aim to consolidate Moldova's participation in EU defence missions, including live military exercises. The Eastern European country will also be integrated into defence-related initiatives, including joint procurement," the Financial Times notes.
The partnership will also aim to strengthen cooperation between Moldovan and European agencies to protect against foreign manipulation, cyber and terrorist threats.
Officials said that the proposal will be discussed by EU diplomats this week and should be officially signed next week.