The European Union will allocate 60 million euros ($62.95 million) to support Moldova’s defense spending this year, Reuters has reported.
The announcement was made by European Council President António Costa during a joint press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, emphasizing that the funding aims to “ensure peace.”
Costa explained that the funding will come through the European Peace Facility and noted that Moldova has already received 37 million euros ($38.85 million) under the initiative.
Europe’s Military Aid for Moldova
Amid Chisinau’s proximity to war-torn Ukraine, European countries and institutions have pledged funds to support Moldova’s military and strengthen its defense capabilities.
In June 2024, the European Council approved 9 million euros ($9.45 million) under the European Peace Facility to help modernize Chisinau’s air defenses.
The funding supported short-range air defense interceptors for the country’s armed forces.
The initiative added to a previous 41-million-euro ($43 million) package aimed at improving air surveillance, electronic warfare, and logistics.
In addition, Moldova became the first country to sign a security and defense partnership with the EU in May last year.
Three years since Moldova’s official application to join the EU. Today with @sandumaiamd in Chișinău, I commend your unwavering determination and commitment to follow the European path.
It’s a truly impressive journey in which the EU has supported Moldova and Moldovans,… pic.twitter.com/K9sZD3O7b7
— António Costa (@eucopresident) March 3, 2025
Tensions With Russia
Moldova has strongly opposed Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, leading to strained ties with Moscow.
In recent years, Moldovan authorities have repeatedly reported Russian drones violating the country’s airspace and debris found within its territory.
Moreover, Chisinau is working to strengthen its defense amid the presence of 1,500 Russian troops stationed in Transnistria, a pro-Moscow breakaway region bordering Ukraine.
