NATO reaffirms priority of protecting eastern flank, including Moldova’s security umbrella
Protecting the eastern flank, which offers a security umbrella to the Republic of Moldova, is a NATO priority. This was highlighted by the heads of state and senior officials who convened on May 13 at the eleventh Bucharest 9 Summit. In this context, experts suggest that our country could benefit from enhanced support for its cybersecurity and military modernization.
The purpose of the B9 meeting is to consolidate the leaders' vision for the future of the North Atlantic Alliance. This includes a potential increase in its defense capabilities and presents an opportunity to strengthen the security of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Romanian President Nicușor Dan emphasized this at the beginning of the event.
"It is an opportunity to assess our progress in implementing the commitments made at the previous NATO summit in The Hague and to reaffirm our support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. This support must not be merely rhetorical; it must be effective, because our security depends on their security," stressed the Romanian President.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki emphasized the importance of this summit, especially as Russia attempts to undermine NATO cohesion and the resilience of democratic states in the region. He stated:
"We must continue our strategic and political support for Ukraine. We must collectively ensure that any restoration of justice occurs along the entire length of our borders. That is why the B9 format was established. The security of Europe will not be secured through declarations alone; it will require strength, preparedness, solidarity, and determination. Poland remains committed in all four areas."
Black Sea expert Mihai Isac noted that the B9 summit highlights the priority of protecting the eastern flank against Russian hybrid attacks, which threaten the security of the entire transatlantic alliance. This objective will also manifest through increased support for the Republic of Moldova in terms of cyber defense, along with donations of equipment, including radar systems.
"The Republic of Moldova will benefit directly from these developments, and in the future, we will see how the National Army will be equipped with significantly more advanced technology. The Republic of Moldova will be prioritized at both this B9 summit and the NATO summit in Ankara in over two months, and we can expect various forms of aid in the coming period," the expert told Radio Moldova.
Expert Grigore Guzun from "WatchDog" believes that any discussions on regional security involving Ukraine will enhance the Republic of Moldova's security.
"When it comes to the security of the European continent, all states agree that the eastern flank must continue to be a strategic point for NATO," Guzun stated.
We remind you that the Bucharest Format 9 was launched in 2015 at the initiative of Romania and Poland, in response to Russia's illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.
The agenda for the 2026 Summit includes topics such as increasing defense spending, strengthening the transatlantic industrial base, enhancing the security of the eastern flank, and supporting Ukraine.
