EU-Moldova: Joint Press Release on the 5th EU-Republic of Moldova High-Level Political and Security Dialogue
The European Union and the Republic of Moldova held their 5th High-Level Political and Security Dialogue on 5 November, in Chișinău, reaffirming their strong partnership in the field of foreign and security policy, a cornerstone of Moldova’s EU accession process. The discussions took place against the backdrop of the increasingly challenging security environment, underscoring the critical role of this partnership.
The EU stressed its expectation that Moldova will continue delivering on its ambitious EU-associated reform, including resilience-building efforts, and reiterated its steadfast support in this regard, in line with the 2024 EU-Moldova Security and Defence Partnership. This Partnership has become a practical framework for cooperation and contributes to Moldova’s resilience, security and European path. Both parties commended the deepening of cooperation on foreign policy issues, including in multilateral fora a as well as Moldova’s efforts towards full alignment with the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Moldova’s crisis management structures and enhancing its ability to counter hybrid threats, including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), through the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova and the full breadth of the EU’s hybrid and FIMI toolboxes.
The parties also exchanged views on the broader geopolitical implications of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including its impact on Moldova’s stability, and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Against this backdrop, both sides emphasised the urgent need for strengthened cooperation to address shared security challenges. The EU and Moldova also welcomed their reinforced cooperation under the European Peace Facility, through which the EU has allocated €317 million since 2021 to bolster Moldova’s defence and security sector reforms and strengthen Moldova’s air defence in the context of increasing drone incursions, making Moldova one of the primary recipients of EU military support outside Ukraine.
The participants also discussed the state of play of the Transnistrian settlement process. The EU reaffirmed its support for a peaceful, comprehensive, and lasting resolution based on respect for Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs at the European External Action Service, Olof Skoog, and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Valeriu Mija. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, opened the meeting.
