Director of Intelligence and Security Service says Moldova becomes security generator

Moldova in recent years has moved from being a security consumer to becoming an active contributor to regional and European security. The change is the result of reforms in the intelligence and defense sectors, as well as stronger cooperation with European partners. Director of Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) Alexandru Musteata has made statements to this effect at the Annual Conference on EU Enlargement

According to the SIS chief, four or five years ago, Moldova was heavily dependent on Russian energy resources and regional stability. Today, the country is making an increasing contribution to identifying and preventing security risks.



“Four or five years ago, Moldova was largely considered a security consumer, being heavily dependent on Russian energy resources and regional stability. Today, the situation has changed significantly and Moldova is increasingly becoming a generator of security in the region and an important partner for the European Union,” Alexandru Musteata said.





An important role in this transformation is played by the reform of the Intelligence and Security Service, which began in 2022. It included the restructuring of the institution, amendments to the legislative framework and internal regulations, as well as improved cooperation with national and international institutions.



“The reform involved restructuring the institution, amending the legislative framework and internal regulations, as well as improving working methods and cooperation with national and international institutions. These changes contributed to the development of a more professional, active and effective intelligence community, a fact also noted in European Union’s reports,” the SIS director said.

Another result of the reform is the strengthening of the relations with European intelligence services. The SIS currently participates in the European intelligence community and cooperates with the European Union Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN). The cooperation involves the exchange of information and participation in joint actions.



“An important result of the reform is gaining the trust of European partners. The SIS currently actively participates in the European intelligence community and cooperates with the European Union Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN). Cooperation takes place both through the exchange of information and participation in joint actions and operations,” Alexandru Musteata said.





However, the progress made does not mean that security risks have disappeared. According to the SIS director, upcoming electoral periods and the boosting of the Russian Federation’s activities require continued vigilance on behalf of the competent institutions. 



“The progress achieved does not mean that the threats have disappeared. Moldova will go through new electoral periods, while the intensification of the Russian Federation’s activities continues to pose a risk to the country’s security. Therefore, the responsible institutions must stay active, anticipate threats and continue cooperating with European partners,” the SIS chief noted.

At the same time, Moldova is negotiating and signing agreements on the protection of classified information with European Union member states and European institutions. These agreements aim to strengthen security standards and facilitate the exchange of sensitive information between partners.



“These agreements demonstrate that Moldova has improved its security standards and is increasingly recognized as a trusted state and partner,” Alexandru Musteata emphasized.

Thus, the reform of security institutions and the expansion of international cooperation are presented by the SIS leadership as important elements in strengthening the role of Moldova in the European security architecture.





On November 9–10, Chisinau hosted the Annual Conference on European Union Enlargement, which brought together European and national officials, representatives of EU institutions, experts, civil society representatives and international partners.

Iulian Groza, executive director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), said today, on the second day of the conference, that the event had brought together more than 760 participants and over 60 speakers, providing a platform for dialogue and the exchange of experience on the EU enlargement process, the progress of candidate countries, the challenges of reforms and prospects for European integration.

The discussions also focused on the role of enlargement in strengthening security, stability and prosperity across the European continent.