Moldova invests 120 million euros in strengthening defense; PM says neutral state does not mean weak state

Moldova is a neutral state, but a neutral state does not mean a weak state. Our country is benefiting from an European package of 120 million euros to strengthen its defense, and we are continuing our cooperation with our partners. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan today made statements to this effect, while presenting the results of the government’s first 100 days in office.

The official emphasized that the country’s neutrality status did not protect its airspace, infrastructure, information networks or state border.

“In the current regional context, security is becoming increasingly important. Our country is benefiting from a 120 million-euros-worth European package to strengthen its defense, and we are continuing our cooperation with our partners. We have signed a technical and military cooperation agreement with Ukraine, and an agreement with Romania—not to militarize the country, but to enable Moldova to protect the people who live here,” Vasile Tofan said.

The PM noted that one of this government’s priorities was to strengthen the state’s defense capabilities.

“I would like to thank Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii, who, in the best sense of the word, stubbornly continues to invest in this state’s defense capabilities—a task that many governments have ignored and done almost nothing to advance,” Vasile Tofan said.

In October, following attacks by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the airspace of Moldova was violated 19 times in the districts of Causeni, Stefan Voda, Anenii Noi, Hancesti, Ocnita, Donduseni, Telenesti, Calarasi, Ungheni, and Edinet, as well as in four localities in the Transnistrian segment. On this period, six drones exploded on the ground.

Since the beginning of 2026, approximately 70 incidents involving violations of Moldova’s airspace have been recorded. Since 2022, the total number of documented incidents has exceeded 100.

A 120 million-euros assistance package is being provided by the European Union through the European Peace Facility (EPF) and is meant to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities. Moldova is the second-largest beneficiary of EU assistance provided through the EPF, after Ukraine. Thus, the total support provided to the country amounts to 317 million euros for the period 2021–2026.