European Union mission to Moldova for security consultations in early summer
The EU plans to send a civilian mission to the Republic of Moldova, "Welt am Sonntag" reported, citing other sources. According to the publication, the Republic of Moldova "feels a growing threat" and on 28 January wrote a letter to Brussels asking for support.
The European External Action Service is currently working on the concept of the planned mission. Diplomats hope the new mission will start "early summer". Along with Poland, the Baltic states, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Romania and Denmark, Germany is one of the most important supporters of the project, according to Welt am Sonntag.
"As part of the mission, administrative staff in the fields of justice, police and customs will have to advise the former Soviet country on the creation of an effective security sector," reads the article.
The EU also wants to send experts to advise the Moldovan authorities in the fight against cyber attacks and disinformation. In addition to the civilian advisory mission, the Republic of Moldova also calls on the EU to strengthen airspace surveillance (aircraft, radar) and provide air defence systems.
This was stated by Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu, speaking at the last meeting of EU foreign ministers on 20 February. He called on EU countries "to quickly help upgrade Moldova's outdated systems".
Previously, Moldova's foreign and European integration minister Nicu Popescu told a briefing at the ministry that his country was discussing with the EU sending a civilian security mission there to counter hybrid threats. Popescu also said Moldova could join part of the EU sanctions against Russia in the near future.
