Moldova Security Forum 2026 // NATO Deputy Secretary General says strong, stable, resilient Moldova contributes to stability, resilience on NATO’s border

Moldova contributes to regional security, by strengthening democratic resilience, combating hybrid threats and participating in international peacekeeping missions. At the same time, NATO has provided the country with support worth almost 50 million euros through the Defence Capacity Building Initiative. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska today made statements to this effect at the Moldova Security Forum 2026.

The official said that Moldova had faced years of interference and intimidation from Russia, including disinformation campaigns, vote-buying, cyberattacks and actions targeting critical infrastructure. Despite these pressures, the country has managed to defend its democratic institutions and continue on its European path.

“Moldova understands these threats better than most other countries. For years, Moldova has firmly resisted interference and intimidation from Russia. Putin’s regime has tried to undermine your free and fair elections through disinformation campaigns, vote-buying and threats. Cyberattacks have been launched and acts of sabotage have been carried out against your critical infrastructure. They have violated your airspace with drones and missiles. You have been affected by disruptions to energy supplies. Their troops continue to be stationed on your territory without your consent,” said Radmila Šekerinska.

She emphasized that Moldova’s experience in countering hybrid threats could serve as an example for the Alliance’s member states.

“Despite all these hostile actions, Moldova has stood firm. You have shown the world that a small state cannot be bullied. You have developed a set of strategies to withstand these acts of aggression, using your ingenuity and strength to cope with Russia’s pressure tactics. This is what we mean when we talk about resilience. We have much to learn from you,” the official said.

According to the cited source, Moldova has benefited from almost 50 million euros through NATO’s Defence Capacity Building Initiative. The support was meant to strengthen military capabilities, protect information infrastructure and the integrity of electoral processes, as well as develop institutional resilience.

“We have provided bulletproof vests and modern helmets worth more than 12 million euros—enough to equip the entire Moldovan army and have equipment in reserve as well. We have allocated more than eight million euros for ammunition storage and more than four million euros for IT equipment and software, in order to protect the integrity of elections against cyberattacks,” the NATO representative said.

Radmila Šekerinska noted that the Alliance had also contributed to the development of a cyber-defence capability at the Technical University of Moldova and an incident-response team in the armed forces. The cooperation included joint exercises to improve response capabilities to natural and man-made disasters, scientific programmes and measures to strengthen good governance in the defence sector.

The official also highlighted Moldova’s contribution to international security through the participation of Moldovan troops in the KFOR mission, led by NATO in Kosovo under a UN mandate. According to her, the country’s involvement contributes to maintaining peace and stability in the Western Balkans and provides Moldovan service members with professional experience, as well as the opportunity to develop interoperability with Allied forces.

“Moldova is also a security provider. Since 2014, Moldova has contributed troops to support KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, under a UN mandate. Deploying troops to serve alongside those of NATO Allies and other partners helps maintain peace and stability in Kosovo, for the benefit of all communities, as well as throughout the Western Balkans region,” Radmila Šekerinska said.

In her speech, the NATO representative thanked Moldova for its support to Ukraine, including hosting Ukrainian refugees and facilitating transport corridors for its exports. She stressed that support for Ukraine and cooperation between the two countries contributed to strengthening regional resilience.

“The people of Moldova have shown immense compassion and solidarity towards the Ukrainian people, by hosting hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Moldova’s efforts to provide transport corridors for Ukrainian exports benefit Ukraine’s economy. Your cooperation with Ukraine has helped strengthen resilience in the face of hybrid threats,” she said.

The NATO Deputy Secretary General reiterated that the Alliance respected the constitutional neutrality of Moldova and supports the right of sovereign states to decide their own future. Radmila Šekerinska also emphasized the importance of cooperation with the European Union and the reforms needed to continue the country’s European path.

“A strong, stable and resilient Moldova contributes to stability and resilience on NATO’s border. This matters to all of us. Moreover, our partnership is a two-way street. As I said, we have much to learn from you. Moldova helps strengthen NATO by sharing valuable lessons from its experience in defending against hybrid threats,” the official emphasized.

At the end of her speech, Radmila Šekerinska referred to Făt-Frumos, a character from Moldovan folklore, whom she presented as a symbol of courage and intelligence in the face of stronger adversaries.

“From what I have read, Făt-Frumos is not as large or as powerful as the monsters and dragons that threaten him. But he uses his intelligence, courage and the help of his friends to defeat these stronger enemies. I understand why he is so important here in Moldova. Moldova may not be a large country, but you are smart. You are courageous. And you have many friends within NATO. And when you have all these things, nothing can defeat you,” the NATO Deputy Secretary General concluded.

The 2026 Moldova Security Forum is taking place in Chisinau on October 8-9, bringing together more than 700 participants from the country and both sides of the Atlantic, including politicians, military leaders, experts, representatives of civil society and the media. The third edition of the forum is being held under the theme, Strengthening democratic resilience and security through strategic vision and multilateral cooperation, amid increasingly complex security challenges for Moldova and the region.