---
title: "Republic of Moldova pays 75,000 euros to defend its digital identity"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/82420/republic-of-moldova-pays-75-000-euros-to-defend-its-digital-identity
published: 2026-08-05T10:45:12Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "Economic"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Republic of Moldova pays 75,000 euros to defend its digital identity

> The government has decided to allocate 75,000 euros to a German expert in internet governance to represent the country's interests in an international dispute regarding the ".md" domain. This funding decision was approved on August 5 during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/06e13a2f-c9cd-48c4-adcb-67267f94fa6d.jpg)

The government has decided to allocate 75,000 euros to a German expert in internet governance to represent the country's interests in an international dispute regarding the ".md" domain. This funding decision was approved on August 5 during a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers.

“We are currently involved in an international dispute regarding the administration of a digital domain. Our goal is to defend the interests of the Republic of Moldova and address the technical arguments presented during this process. Therefore, it is essential to hire an independent expert with expertise in the field. This matter is significant as it pertains to one of the state's digital identities. The .md domain is extremely important, and we must ensure its protection,” declared Prime Minister Vasile Tofan during the meeting.

During the arbitration procedure, it became necessary to present an independent technical assessment on behalf of the Republic of Moldova, as the defendant. This evaluation aims to counter the expert reports submitted by the plaintiff with well-supported technical and methodological arguments.

The country’s interests will be represented by Tobias Sattler, an independent expert based in Munich, Germany. He has over 20 years of experience in internet infrastructure and governance.

The cost of the legal assistance services provided by the expert before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, D.C., is €75,000.

In addition to this fee, the Government has approved the allocation of $150,000 to cover the estimated costs of the arbitration proceedings, including the fees and expenses of the arbitrators, as well as other related expenses.