Director-General for European Cooperation of Netherlands says Moldova on frontline of Russia's hybrid war against democracy

Moldova is on the frontline of the hybrid war waged by Russia against democracy, actions which intensify on the eve of parliamentary elections. Heleen Bakker, Director-General for European Cooperation of the Netherlands, has made statements to this effect at a press conference held jointly with Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi and representatives of the BENELUX delegation.

Heleen Bakker warned about hybrid attacks and reaffirmed European solidarity in combating them.

"We see how misinformation, cyber-attacks and attempts to undermine trust in institutions are boosting, especially on the eve of the elections. We are here to convey clear message: Moldova is not alone. The BENELUX countries firmly support the sovereignty of Moldova, its resilience against threats, as well as the progress made in essential areas - from justice reform to energy diversification. We will continue to support you through expertise, resources and cooperation. Supporting Moldovan democracy also means defending European democracy. It is not just an act of solidarity, but an investment in our common security and European future," said Heleen Bakker.

Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi emphasized that, in the face of hybrid attacks, disinformation and destabilization attempts, Moldovan citizens had proved resilience and determination to defend their future.

"Hybrid attacks on Moldova are intensifying ahead of the elections, but by virtue of our society's resilience and the constant solidarity and support on behalf of our friends and partners, the country is better endowed today, better positioned to counter these interferences, whether we are talking about those in the online space, the media, or attempts to destabilize the situation through protests paid for by fugitive oligarchs, or about constant threats and attempts to spread fear, to threaten  Moldova, as the Kremlin does," said Mihai Popsoi.

The official underscored that the people of Moldova had learned over the years to be resilient, to defend their right to decide their own fate.

"We firmly believe that our citizens, once again, will know how to make a difference and that those who do not want well for Moldova, those who try to divert us from the legitimate aspiration of our people to be part of the great European family, will not succeed in turning us away from this path. The future of Moldova is written here, by Moldovans, for Moldovans, and for Europe. Today, we not only have hope, but also concrete achievements: from energy independence to judicial reforms and the strengthening of democracy. All these bring us, step by step, closer to the European family," Mihai Popsoi also said.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium Maxime Prévot and the Director-General for European Cooperation of the Netherlands Heleen Bakker are on an official visit to Chisinau today.

The purpose of this visit is to strengthen the bilateral relations and deepen the  multilateral cooperation between Moldova and the BENELUX states, with a focus on European diplomacy, energy security, support for European integration and partnerships in the field of development.

The visit's agenda includes meetings with President Maia Sandu and the Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu. Ath the same time, the foreign officials will visit the Radeni Photovoltaic Park, followed by a discussion with young people from Moldova.