In the face of a rapidly changing global security architecture, EU leaders have decided to increase their military spending in order to be self-reliant in their security matters. Moldova also needs to take seriously the growing risks to its security and the EU is ready to help. But a number of public voices are scaring people with a looming war and the fact that if Moldova modernises its military capabilities it would allegedly undermine its neutral status.

But what is the real situation?

Europe, as well as Moldova, is facing the most serious security crisis since 1945 as the United States is increasingly focusing beyond Europe and more on the Asia Pacific region. Europe will have to rely much more on itself, and this is a drastic shift in the security environment. The same is true for Moldova, as Moldova is not likely to become a member of NATO and its neutrality will not change.

An important pillar of neutrality is a strong defense sector. Many neutral countries in the world, including Switzerland and Turkmenistan, have a strong defense sector. Turkmenistan’s annual defense budget is approximately $1 billion dollars. Swiss defence expenditure is projected to hit approximately $6.6 billion by 2028. A strong defense sector will help Moldova in keeping and safeguarding its neutrality status.

A stronger EU defense policy would mean stronger security umbrella for Moldova, as Moldova will have to rely on the EU for its security. EU’s investments and support to Moldova are aiming at strengthening deterrence and therefore peace. It is in Moldova’s national interest and a responsibility towards its citizens to use EU support in its defense sector.

Through the European Peace Facility (EPF) programme, Moldova will receive from the European Union countries 60 million euros to finance its defense spending in 2025.

The European Peace Facility is a financial instrument outside the EU budget meaning additional EU member states contribution. This financial support coming through it adds up to the already existing amount of EU financial assistance to Moldova and will have no negative impact on other sector support. EPF was created in 2021 to provide military aid to partner countries under the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. Since then, Moldova has been allocated 137 mln. euro.

The EU has not traditionally involved itself in funding armed forces but the pivot to support military expenditures underscores its adaptation to the reshaping of geopolitical environment. It would be irresponsible not to take seriously threats to the security of its citizens. Moldova can be a part of this effort and EU is committed to supporting the country.

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This text is realized within the project “CAPACITY4EU – Civil Society for EU Accession”, implemented by the Institut für Europäische Politik, in partnership with the Institute for Strategic Initiatives (IPIS) and the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), with the support of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.