PRESS RELEASE: CEUMC VISIT TO MOLDAVIA

Gen Brieger had the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister, Dorin Recean, and the State Secretary, Valeriu Mija. During the extensive bilateral meetings, the CEUMC recalled the ongoing efforts that the EU is making to consolidate its position and role as a credible security provider and partner, with a 360-degree approach, the very last example being the unprecedented response to Moscow’s aggression to Ukraine.

Acknowledging the attention that Moldova is paying at the outcomes of this war, as one of the countries most affected by the fallout of Russian aggression to Ukraine, Gen Brieger confirmed EU support to Ukraine: “Only few days after the invasion, and in very few hours, the EU approved the use of a new tool, the European Peace Facility (EPF), to provide military tools, including lethal weapons, in support of Kyiv’s right to defend itself”.

During the talks, the pillars of the EU – Moldova partnership in the security realm were recalled, starting with the recent Council’s adoption of a third substantial assistance measure under the EPF to further strengthen Moldova’s resilience in the defence sector. The new measure fully responds to Moldovan requests to contribute to the important first step of upgrading the country’s air surveillance capacities. With an accumulated value of 87 million euros, Moldova has become one of the main beneficiaries of the EPF.

“We are committed to continue supporting Moldova in this regard – said the Chairman - We also praise the value of the new EU partnership mission in Moldova, one of EU’s efforts to enhance the resilience of the security sector of the country in areas like crisis management, hybrid threats, and countering foreign information manipulation and interference. The overall objective of our military cooperation is to bring Moldova as a new EU candidate country closer to EUs Common Security and Defence Policy, to its defence culture, its military structures and activities. Furthermore, we look forward to more possible future contribution by Moldova to our military CSDP Missions and Operations. And all this in full coherence with Moldova’s EU candidacy roadmap. From my point of view today’s meetings are just one element in the process of step by step further intensifying our cooperation based on the needs and lessons learned.”

Concluding the visit, Gen Brieger took the opportunity to invite Gen Ohladciuc to visit Brussels soon, to deepen discussion on all topics of common interest.