Moldova: EU launches civilian mission to strengthen the resilience of the security sector in the areas of crisis management and countering hybrid threats
The Council is launching today the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM Moldova) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) to enhance the resilience of the security sector in the country.
The aim of the mission, formally established on 24 April 2023 at the request of Moldova’s authorities, is to contribute to the strengthening of Moldova’s crisis management structures and to enhance its resilience to hybrid threats, including cybersecurity, and countering foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).
To this end, the mission will provide advice at strategic level and identify the needs for capacity building.
The Head of Mission will be Cosmin Dinescu. The Civilian Operation Commander will be Stefano Tomat, EEAS Managing Director of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC).
The efforts to destabilise the Republic of Moldova have noticeably increased since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and represent a direct threat to the stability and security of the external borders of the EU.
Background
In its conclusions of 24 June 2022, the European Council recognised the European perspective of the Republic of Moldova, and decided to grant it, along with Ukraine, the status of candidate country.
In its conclusions of 15 December 2022, the European Council affirmed that the EU would continue to provide all relevant support to the Republic of Moldova as it deals with the multifaceted impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
In a letter to the High Representative dated 28 January 2023, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova invited the EU to deploy a civilian mission in the country under the CSDP, which was established by the Council on 24 April.
