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EU Provides Military Support to Moldova to Counter Russian Influence and Stabilize its Eastern Neighborhood.
In a regional context still marked by instability due to the war in Ukraine, the European Union is intensifying its support for the Republic of Moldova. On April 22, 2025, the Council of the European Union adopted a seventh assistance measure for the Moldovan Armed Forces under the European Peace Facility (EPF). This latest decision reflects a broader dynamic of enhanced security cooperation between Brussels and Chisinau, aimed at modernizing the country’s short-range air defence capabilities.
This assistance is part of the European Union’s broader strategy to enhance the resilience of its most exposed partners to the consequences of the Russia–Ukraine war (Picture source: Moldova MoD)
Valued at €20 million, this new support package is specifically intended to finance the acquisition of short-range air defence launchers and missiles. It complements a broader effort to transform Moldova’s armed forces, an effort that has been underway for several years. On April 7, 2025, the Council had already adopted a sixth assistance measure, worth €40 million, aimed at improving infantry mobility and strengthening command and control capabilities related to air defence. This previous package includes the delivery of light tactical mobility vehicles and equipment to support the operational integration of short-range air defence systems.
These two new measures bring the total support granted to Moldova under the EPF to €197 million since 2021. This assistance is part of the European Union’s broader strategy to enhance the resilience of its most exposed partners to the consequences of the Russia–Ukraine war. It enables Moldova’s armed forces to improve their operational effectiveness, align more closely with European standards, strengthen interoperability with EU member state forces, and better protect critical civilian infrastructure and populations in emergency situations.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas—also President of the Foreign Affairs Council—emphasised that the European Union is now Moldova’s leading security partner. According to her, the equipment delivered—including vehicles, protective gear, and mobile ambulances—represents a contribution to peace and citizen protection, provided in full respect of Moldova’s constitutional neutrality. She also announced that an additional €60 million in equipment would be delivered to the country in 2025 under the EPF, bringing the EU’s total contribution close to €200 million since the mechanism’s establishment.
Established in March 2021, the European Peace Facility is a financing instrument allowing the EU to fund actions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). It enables the Union to support the military and defence capacities of third countries, regional organisations, or international entities. In Moldova’s case, the assistance measures are also intended to prepare the country’s armed forces for future participation in missions and operations conducted under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
This reinforced European support is part of a broader effort to improve Moldova’s stability, security, and resilience in the face of hybrid threats and destabilising activities linked to Russia. Since the beginning of Russia’s military offensive against Ukraine, Moldova—despite its constitutionally enshrined neutrality—has faced a deteriorating strategic environment. In response, the European Union aims to provide consistent and tangible assistance to one of its most vulnerable partners on its eastern flank.
The EU’s actions reflect converging strategic, security, and political objectives, focused on stabilising its eastern neighbourhood while defending its geopolitical interests amid ongoing tensions with Russia. Situated at the forefront of the spillover effects of the conflict in Ukraine, Moldova is exposed to multiple forms of hybrid pressure: disinformation campaigns, energy coercion, political interference, and continuing tensions in the separatist region of Transnistria, where Russian troops remain stationed. By supporting the development of Moldova’s military capabilities, the EU seeks to strengthen the resilience of a state that is both vulnerable and strategically located, in order to help prevent further regional destabilisation.
This assistance is also part of a broader political approach. Since gaining EU candidate status in June 2022, Moldova has accelerated its alignment with Brussels. By supporting the modernisation of the Moldovan military, the EU is sending a clear signal: European integration comes with concrete security support to help reinforce the sovereignty and stability of its partner states.
This partnership also brings Moldova’s armed forces closer to European standards, particularly in terms of interoperability. Over time, it will facilitate Moldova’s participation in joint operations under the CSDP and foster closer military cooperation with EU member states.
Finally, this approach contributes to strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy. Through the European Peace Facility, the Union demonstrates its ability to respond proactively to security crises and to support its partners without relying exclusively on transatlantic alliances. It thus reinforces its credibility as a strategic actor capable of directly contributing to the stability of its immediate neighbourhood.
In summary, with the adoption of these two new assistance measures, the European Union reaffirms its central role in supporting Moldova’s security. By contributing to the modernisation of Moldova’s air defence, command, and tactical mobility capabilities, Brussels is pursuing a long-term approach that respects Moldova’s neutrality while supporting its stabilisation and progressive integration into the European security space. This strategic partnership forms part of a consistent response to the security challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and contributes to the consolidation of a regional order based on resilience, cooperation, and stability.