Ana Revenco in Brussels: We are in the second line of Russia's aggression
The Kremlin is putting hybrid pressure on Moldova through lobby groups, says the interior minister. Ana Revenco attended a meeting in Brussels of Moldova's Internal Security Support Centre - an EU mechanism set up to secure the border and fight international crime. Our country plays an important role for the peace and tranquillity of the European Union, Commissioner Ylva Johansson said.
The Republic of Moldova is in the second line of the war, which means dangers of destabilisation, risks of trafficking in arms, people or drugs, cybercrime and terrorism.
"We see how Moscow, some interest groups and fugitive oligarchs have joined forces. I'm often asked whether Moldova is the next target. I have only one answer. Democracy and peace in Europe are the target. We are only in the second line of Russia's aggression, while Ukraine continues to fight bravely to keep the front line away from us," said Minister Ana Revenco.
The Moldovan Security Support Centre was established last July. It is an operational platform that ensures cooperation between European Union agencies, e.g. FRONTEX, national governments and the authorities in Chisinau.
"The Republic of Moldova plays a key role in protecting Europe's internal security. The Republic of Moldova benefits from our support, but at the same time it generates security for the European Union and contributes to our common security. We should not be naive, Putin would also like to destroy, destabilise and divide the European Union and of course the Republic of Moldova", said EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson.
The European Union sent a FRONTEX mission to Moldova last year under the coordination of the Border Police. It is also to set up a new civilian internal security mission in Chisinau. Its mechanism is currently under negotiation.
