The Council of the European Union has adopted a seventh assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) aimed at modernizing Moldova’s short-range air defense capabilities, according to a statement released on Thursday, April 24th.
This new measure, valued at €20 million, will support the procurement of short-range air defense launchers and missiles for the Moldovan Armed Forces. This follows the sixth EPF assistance measure, adopted on April 7th, which allocated €40 million towards enhancing infantry mobility, command and control systems related to air defense.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stressed the significance of this partnership:
The EU is Moldova’s first security partner. The equipment we are delivering—such as vehicles, protective gear and mobile ambulances—are an investment in peace and to protect people. They aim at modernizing Moldova’s army and enhance its defense capabilities, in full respect with Moldova’s neutrality.
She added: “This year, we’re providing €60 million in gear under the European Peace Facility, bringing our total contribution to nearly €200 million since 2021.”
With these latest measures, the total EPF assistance to Moldova now stands at €197 million. Since 2021, the support of the EU has been key in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Moldovan Armed Forces, helping them move closer to EU standards and improving their interoperability with EU systems.
The pro-EU forces of Moldova, one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in Europe, have been pursuing EU membership since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The country—wedged between Ukraine and EU-member Romania, with a population of around 2.5 million—was granted EU candidate status in June 2022. The European Union opened accession talks with the country in June last year. A referendum in October of 2024 resulted in a narrow win for adding the goal of EU membership to the constitution.
