Security segment in framework of negotiation // Expert says there is firm requirement for Moldova to join EU's sanctions, including against Russia

Chisinau, 28 June /MOLDPRES/ - Moldova will be able to benefit from technical support in the modernization and enhancement of the National Army’s capacities. We will be able to switch from obsolete equipment to standards compatible with the EU’s security structure. The opinion belongs to political pundit Andrei Curararu, provided on the EU’s Framework of Negotiation with Moldova, - document published on the government’s webpage.    

Contacted by MOLDPRES, political analyst Andrei Curararu noted that the document provides for a string of coordinations and adjustings to EU acquis in the common security and defence sector, as well as in the foreign policy.    

„This is a pretty firm requirement for us to join the EU’s sanctions, including the  sanctions against Russia, to which we did not adhere 100 per cent. We saw that, immediately after the starting of the negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had announced a budget of 500 billion euros for defence in EU for the next ten years, which means that Moldova can benefit from a string of technical, administrative or even financial supports for improving the country’s security system,’’ Andrei Curararu said.   

The expert stressed that the principle of neutrality was laid down in the framework document. ‘’The neutrality does not mean that Moldova cannot participate in different EU programmes and already, according to the security and defence agreement, we will take part bin EU’s peacekeeping missions. At the same time, we will be able to benefit from technical support in the modernization and increase in the capacities of the National Army. It is quite important that we mention that this does not mean militarization – the strength is not changed, the number of military units does not increase in Moldova, but we switch from an obsolete equipment to modern equipment and standards compatible with the EU’s security structure,’’ Andrei Curararu said.     

Moldova is the first country of the world which signed a Security and Defence Agreement with EU. ‘’The Union does not have a quite well-defined defence component, but it is developing due to the risks related to the present hybrid war. Also, these risks are presented practically in all parts of the framework document. EU understands that we cope with this hybrid war and provides support, including for us to better manage in such chapters as the development of cyber capacities or of fight against misinformation,’’ Andrei Curararu underlined.     

The government published two important documents adopted at the first Intergovernmental Conference held in Luxembourg on 25 June 2024. These are the Framework of Negotiations proposed by EU for Moldova and the General Negotiation Position of Moldova.  

The main key messages at the negotiation see that ‘’the negotiations will be based on Moldova’s own merits and the pace will depend on Moldova’s progress in the fulfillment of the requirements for accession.’’ At the same time, ‘’Moldova will receive financial assistance through the relevant instruments of the Union, in order to supports its accession process.’’      

At the same time, the General Negotiation Position of Moldova stipulates that ‘’the general goal of the accession negotiations is that Moldova becomes a full-fledged member of the European Union, with all rights and duties related.’’ At the same time, ‘’Moldova is set to achieve a level of full domestic preparation, in order to adjust its legislation to the EU’s acquis and to ensure its applicability till 2030.’’

The negotiations on Moldova’s accession to the European Union were officially launched at an intergovernmental conference held in Luxembourg on 25 June.