Moldova's National Army receives consignment of equipment on behalf of EU

Chisinau, 31 May /MOLDPRES/ - The National Army today received the first consignment of equipment on behalf of the EU. The consignment consists of costumes for sappers, medical equipment, apparatus for ultrasound investigation, individual protection kits and surgical kits.   

Attending the event on the delivery of the equipment were Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Nicu Popescu, Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatii and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, who is in Chisinau in the context of the Summit of the European Political Community (EPC Summit).  

According to the defence minister, the equipment brought to Chisinau today is part of the package of assistance of 7 million euros, approved by EU in 2021. The equipment is meant for the engineering subunits and medical structures of the National Army.

„These are the first deliveries of assets in the context of the aforementioned projects. Till the end of this year, other equipment is to be received, such as: ambulances, robots for demining, vehicles and medical equipment. I mention that all assets will come together with the training service for their use. This consignment is just a small part of the volume of assistance received through the European Peace Facility. The other 80 million euros of this support package will be allocated for the purchasing of the logistics, communications and IT equipment. Also, the assistance will be used for the procurement of radiolocation equipment, which will contribute to enhancing the capacities of supervising the national air space. The process of procurement and delivery is complex and in this respect, over 30 contracts have been already signed,’’ Nosatii said.      

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell appreciated the authorities’ efforts to cope with the security challenges in the region, noting that the EU’s support would be directed depending on the needs. Borrell specified that the consignment of equipment brought to Chisinau today was part of the support worth 87 million euros provided by EU to Moldova. He also said Moldova would soon receive an air survaillance radar.

“You have earlier asked me how we can protect the sky above you. So, through this surveillance radar, which is so necessary, we will manage to consolidate the air security capacities of Moldova. This support will serve for the modernization of Moldova’s defence sector and is part of the civilian mission inaugurated today. The equipment will contribute to the efforts of consolidating peace. By helping you become stronger, we help Europe become stronger and safer,’’ Josep Borrell added.