EU authorities are considering the possibility of strengthening financial support for Moldova to “contain the pressure” from Russia. Specifically, we are talking about providing Chisinau with an additional €40 million ($42.1 million) to set up aerial surveillance, logistics and cyber defense. informs Bloomberg agency.
It is assumed that the funds will be allocated from the European Peace Fund created in 2021 for military and defense financing for the prevention of military conflicts in other countries. At the same time, the note states that before the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine at the end of February 2022, the funds from the fund were never used to purchase weapons.
“The EU is offering Moldova more assistance to counter Russian pressure. European authorities are considering providing an additional 40 million euros ($42.1 million) to the country’s armed forces to strengthen air surveillance, logistics and cyber defence.
EU assistance is expected to include non-lethal equipment and supplies, including ground-based mobile long-range surveillance radars, pickup trucks, communications equipment and gear. In addition, European authorities plan to provide Chisinau with software to improve the republic’s IT infrastructure. The note states that full approval of the new financial aid program will require pending approval from all EU countries.
On March 5, the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag cites sources in the European External Action Service (EEAS). knowledgeableSome EU countries will send a civilian mission to Moldova in the summer. As part of the visit to the Republic, experts from the EU will consult in the fields of justice, police, customs and combating cyber attacks and disinformation.