Panel X was moderated by Mr. George SCUTARU, CEO New Strategy Center and Mr. Iulian GROZA, Executive Director, Institute for European Policies and Reforms, Republic of Moldova in a dialogue with H.E. Angel TÎLVĂR, Minister of National Defence, Romania, and H.E. Anatolie NOSATÎI, Minister of Defence, Republic of Moldova.

The Black Sea is a region of particular importance for European security, as this region serves as a bridge between west and east. The transatlantic alliance recently recognized the need to dedicate more attention to this region, especially in the new security context.

The Republic of Moldova faced the challenges generated by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia through the cooperation between the force structures and the political leadership. The citizens of the Republic of Moldova have already demonstrated their commitment to Moldova’s European path. However, Moldova remains the main victim of the hybrid war waged by Russia, which undermines the European trajectory opted for by the government in Chisinau. The Republic of Moldova thus tripled its defense budget and is currently developing its future security strategy, in a context where the main threat to its security remains the Russian Federation.

The Republic of Moldova cannot achieve its immediate goals without the support of organizations such as the US and NATO. Also, the role of uninterrupted support from Romania, among other strategic partners, remains crucial from a political and economic point of view.