Brussels backs Moldovan air defense as airspace breaches escalate
The European Union will bolster Moldova's defense capabilities following repeated airspace violations by Russian drones and missiles, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday in Brussels.
Speaking alongside Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan during the tenth EU–Moldova Association Council meeting, Kallas condemned Moscow's continuous military provocations. She underscored that Russian breaches of Moldovan airspace pose immediate risks to civilian lives across the continent.
Strengthening the European shield
“Moldova is a neutral state, but neutrality does not mean remaining defenceless,” Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said. He stressed that bilateral cooperation will expand through the Security and Defence Partnership, the European Peace Facility, and the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM).
Kallas confirmed that the European Peace Facility (EPF) remains the cornerstone of Moldova's military modernization. Total assistance committed under the facility currently stands at €317 million (approx. 6.34 billion MDL), establishing Moldova as the second-largest global beneficiary of the fund behind Ukraine.
“The incursions into Moldova's airspace by Russian missiles and drones in recent days are unacceptable,” Kallas stated. “The Kremlin is endangering human lives across the entire continent.”
Accession track and border incidents
Beyond defense assistance, the European Union announced the disbursement of a new €157 million tranche under the €1.9 billion Growth Plan for Moldova. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos praised Chisinau's reform momentum, noting the EU aims to open all remaining negotiating clusters by the end of 2026.
Addressing regional security concerns, Kallas reassured officials that the unresolved conflict in the breakaway Transnistrian region would not prevent Moldova from joining the bloc.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldovan authorities have logged 92 unauthorized overflights by Russian drones and missiles. On September 5, a border police officer was wounded near the Palanca-Maiaki-Udobnoe crossing after an errant projectile detonated near civilian transport infrastructure.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
Russia's missiles and drone violations of Moldova’s airspace over recent days are unacceptable. The Kremlin is putting lives at risk across the continent. The European Peace Facility remains the backbone of Moldova's defence modernisation. Our support through the Facility now stands at €317 million euro, making Moldova the second-largest recipient worldwide. My press conference with Prime Minister @Vasile_Tofan and @MartaKosEU following the EU-Moldova Association Council ↓
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) October 5, 2026
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