Moldovan foreign affairs minister has meeting with Political Director of European External Action Service

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi today had a meeting with Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Political Director of the European External Action Service (EEAS), on a working visit to Chisinau. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the area of security and defense, with an emphasis on combating hybrid threats, cyberattacks and disinformation, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and national airspace.

The officials welcomed the progress made by the country in implementing reforms, as part of the EU accession process. In the context, the discussions focused on Chapter 31 – Foreign, Security and Defense Policy, including achieving the goal of fully aligning with the positions and restrictive measures of the European Union.

Minister Mihai Popsoi appreciated the contribution of the European Union Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM) to strengthening institutional crisis-management capacities and combating hybrid threats. He thanked the EU for the support provided through the European Peace Facility (EPF), which contributes to the modernization of the National Army and the strengthening of defense capabilities, with the EU having allocated 317 million euros for the period 2021–2026.

“The support of the European Union has decisively contributed to strengthening our resilience and defense capabilities. Today, Moldova is stronger and better prepared to face security challenges than it was a few years ago. These investments enable us not only to protect our citizens, but also to actively contribute to European security. Our objective is that, upon joining the European Union, Moldova will be a member state capable of contributing to common defense and security,” Mihai Popsoi emphasized.

For his part, Olof Skoog praised the progress made by Moldova in the European Union accession process and the authorities’ efforts to strengthen national resilience. The European official reaffirmed the European Union’s support for deepening cooperation in the field of security and defense, highlighting the importance of Moldova’s experience in combating hybrid threats for European security.

The officials also addressed regional security developments, including the consequences of the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, reiterating their shared commitment to strengthening security and stability in the region.

Olof Skoog is on his first working visit to Moldova, at an invitation by the Moldovan foreign affairs minister. The visit takes place in the context of the High-Level Political and Security Dialogue between Moldova and the European Union, held on November 5.