Foreign Minister attends Black Sea Security Conference

The enlargement of the European Union with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine represents a strategic investment in the security of the European continent. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi made the statement at the Black Sea Security Conference held in Chișinău.

The official emphasized that, in the current context of geopolitical instability, the process of European Union enlargement must be viewed beyond its political dimension.


“The enlargement of the European Union to include the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine must be seen not only as a political ambition, but as a strategic investment in Europe’s peace and security,” Popșoi stated.


In his speech, the minister highlighted the crucial role of the Black Sea region in the European security architecture, noting that the war launched by Russia against Ukraine has turned this area into a key strategic point.

At the same time, the official reiterated Moldova’s firm support for Ukraine, stressing that the security of the two states is interdependent.


“The security of the Black Sea is inseparable from the security of the entire continent, and the states in the region must play an active role in ensuring peace,” he said.


Popșoi also drew attention to the security risks faced by the Republic of Moldova.


“Russia’s illegal activities in the Black Sea generate not only military, energy and food threats, but also affect freedom of navigation and create significant environmental risks. A telling example is the recent bombardments of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which led to the pollution of the Dniester River, leaving several districts in the north of the Republic of Moldova without drinking water,” the minister noted.


In the same context, the official advocated for strengthening international cooperation and coordinating efforts between the states in the region and their Western partners.


“The challenges we face today cannot be addressed in isolation. A joint effort is needed to overcome them. We are convinced that only through strong coordination of actions, in accordance with international law and in cooperation with our partners – in particular the European Union, the United States, the Republic of Türkiye and others – can we identify sustainable solutions for peace, not only in Ukraine, but also for all conflicts in the Black Sea region, including the Transnistrian conflict. Maintaining openness and stability in the Black Sea region requires a clear understanding of the constantly changing security environment and a commitment to concrete, coordinated action. First, we must respect and defend international law, including through a firm policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea. Second, the unresolved conflicts in the region, including the Transnistrian one, continue to generate instability. Their peaceful settlement, based on international rules and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, is essential for long-term stability. Third, we must strengthen resilience in the face of hybrid threats, which define the security landscape of the region. Finally, the Black Sea must not be seen as a periphery, but as a central element of the European security architecture,” Popșoi underlined.


In conclusion, the minister stressed that the security of the Black Sea region is inseparable from the security of the entire European continent and called for the active involvement of international partners to ensure stability in the region.

The Republic of Moldova is hosting today the Security Conference in the Black Sea region, under the aegis of the International Crimea Platform. The meeting is co-organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, with the support of the European Union.

The Black Sea Security Conference is now in its third edition. The event continues the dialogue launched in Bucharest in 2023 and in Sofia in 2024, in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine.