Grant to strengthen cybersecurity: Republic of Moldova to receive $1.2 million in U.S. support

The Republic of Moldova will receive direct support worth $1.2 million from the Government of the United States of America as part of a broader investment package. The assistance is intended to develop a Security Operations Center, which will help strengthen national capabilities to prevent, monitor, and manage cyber threats.

The grant agreement was signed today in the presence of Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization Claudiu Năsui and U.S. Ambassador to Chișinău Joseph Mark Burkhalter. The Security Operations Center will help improve the capabilities to identify and monitor cyber incidents, as well as strengthen response mechanisms to digital threats.

Claudiu Năsui thanked the United States for the support in strengthening the Republic of Moldova’s capacity to defend against cyber threats, noting that the grant provided to Moldtelecom will contribute to protecting critical infrastructure and increasing the country’s resilience.


“This support is not only assistance in defending ourselves against cyber threats, but also a powerful affirmation that the Republic of Moldova is not alone. At a time when hybrid warfare and cyberattacks can undermine critical infrastructure, your assistance strengthens our protective shield. It enables us to develop the tools, expertise, and resilience needed to protect our citizens, institutions, and future. We are deeply grateful for the United States’ steadfast commitment to the sovereignty and security of the Republic of Moldova, for your trust, and for the clear message conveyed through this grant: the partnership between our two nations is strong. This message inspires us to cooperate more closely and encourages all citizens of the Republic of Moldova who believe that a small country can stand firm when supported by true friends. We thank the United States for choosing to support the protection of the Republic of Moldova. We will honor the trust placed in us by making the most of this opportunity, building stronger defense capabilities, and contributing to the common security of our region. Together, we are not only defending our present, but also securing a safer future,” the minister said.


Joseph Mark Burkhalter emphasized that the support provided through the grant will help protect communications networks and strengthen the cybersecurity of the Republic of Moldova, reaffirming the United States’ willingness to be a reliable partner in developing the country’s digital economy.


“This grant represents a practical step designed to deliver concrete results for both the Republic of Moldova and the United States of America. Through it, the Trade and Development Agency will provide an experienced cybersecurity adviser who will offer guidance to Moldtelecom. This adviser will help Moldtelecom develop modern cybersecurity infrastructure. These actions will help protect the networks that the citizens of the Republic of Moldova rely on every day to conduct economic activities and access public services. We want to be a trusted technology partner for the Republic of Moldova as it develops its digital economy. American technology is innovative and secure, and Moldova can rely on it. You can also always rely on the United States of America as a friend and long-term partner,” Joseph Mark Burkhalter said.


Moldtelecom’s role in the project is linked to the company’s experience in developing and managing telecommunications infrastructure in the Republic of Moldova.


“Digital security is no longer merely a technological necessity, but an essential condition for the functioning of the economy and the protection of critical infrastructure. Through this project, Moldtelecom reaffirms its commitment to contributing not only to the development of connectivity, but also to building a safer digital environment for the entire Republic of Moldova,” Moldtelecom’s interim director-general Viorel Motorniuc said.


The center will be established within Moldtelecom. It will ensure the protection of the company’s entire critical infrastructure and, if necessary, will also be able to provide support to public institutions. The authorities have planned an 18-month implementation period for the project, starting from the signing of the agreement.

The total financing amounts to approximately $3.7 million. Of this amount, $1.2 million is allocated by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, while $2.4 million represents the contribution of an American partner.

The grant provided by the United States of America will support the development of national cybersecurity capabilities and strengthen the resilience of digital infrastructure. Through cooperation between national authorities, American partners, and the telecommunications sector, the project aims to contribute to a safer digital environment and the protection of essential services and infrastructure.