This included notably drones, Explosive Ordnance Disposal suits, individual protection kits and surgery sets. This delivery is part of the assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) agreed by the EU Council on 2 December 2021.
“We have decided to provide assistance from the European Union to contribute to the strengthening of Moldova’s resilience, which is one of the countries most affected by the illegal invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine. Today, we have delivered the first equipment offered by the EU under the European Instrument for Peace, which will contribute to the development of the engineering and medical capabilities of the National Army. This is just the beginning. More equipment is set to arrive in the coming weeks and months. This demonstrates the firm and continuous support of the European Union and its member states for the resilience of the Republic of Moldova,” said Vice President of the European Commission, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
“Our gathering today demonstrates, once again, that the European Union stands by our side. In this regard, we express our gratitude to the EU member states for their support to the Republic of Moldova in practically all priority areas of development, including national defense. In 2021, the European Union launched the support platform ‘European Instrument for Peace,’ and at the same time, the European Council approved the first tranche of aid for the defense system of the Republic of Moldova. Initially, the financial assistance package amounted to €7 million. Subsequently, this support reached a total of €87 million. Undoubtedly, this decision is a clear proof of the European Union’s contribution to strengthening our defense capabilities and enhancing our country’s resilience to current security challenges,” said the Minister of Defense of Moldova Anatolie Nosatîi during the press event.
EU’s military assistance aims to strengthen Moldova’s overall resilience by enhancing the capacities of its Armed Forces, including increasing their ability to provide services to civilians in crises or emergency situations, and their capacity to contribute to military missions and operations under the EU Common Defence and Security Policy.
Over the course of the next months, the EPF will deliver to Moldova additional medical and engineering equipment, such as a field hospital, ambulances, pickups and radios.
