The EU establishes a civilian mission in the Republic of Moldova. It will increase the resilience of the security sector
The European Council has decided to establish an EU Partnership Mission to the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) in the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The objective of this civilian mission, according to a press release from the European institution, is to enhance the resilience of the country's security sector in the area of crisis management and hybrid threats, including cyber security and countering foreign manipulation of information and foreign interference.
"As the Republic of Moldova is one of the countries most affected by the consequences of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, we are witnessing the continuation and intensification of Russia's attempts to destabilize this country through hybrid actions. Today we are increasing EU support to Moldova to protect its security, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The deployment of this new mission is another important political signal of the EU's support in the current difficult circumstances", said Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
To this end, the mission will provide strategic-level advice on strategy and policy development and identify needs for capacity building in early warning, detection, identification, attribution and response to hybrid threats.
The mission will include a project cell responsible for identifying and implementing projects in the above areas, in close coordination with other actors sharing the same vision.
In response to the request of the Republic of Moldova, EUPM Moldova will have an initial mandate of two years and its operations headquarters will be in the Republic of Moldova. Stefano Tomat, Executive Director of the EEAS Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC), will be the Civilian Operation Commander; a Head of Mission will be appointed in the near future to lead the operations on the ground.
In its conclusions of 24 June 2022, the European Council recognised the European perspective of the Republic of Moldova and decided to grant it the status of candidate country alongside Ukraine.
In its conclusions of 15 December 2022, the European Council affirmed that the EU will continue to offer the Republic of Moldova all relevant support as it faces the multidimensional impact of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
In a letter of 28 January 2023 to the High Representative, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova invited the EU to deploy a civilian mission to the country in the framework of the CSDP.
