Panel XIIIa was chaired by Ambassador Sorin DUCARU, Honorary Chairman of the Scientific Council, New Strategy Center; Director, European Union Satellite Centre, Romania. The speakers were H.E. Luminița ODOBESCU, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Romania, and H.E. Mihai POPȘOI, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Republic of Moldova.

Restoring an environment characterized by rhythm and stability in the Black Sea area is imperative, a difficult objective in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggressive actions. In this context, support for both Ukraine’s and Moldova’s military efforts remains a priority objective for Romania.

The Republic of Moldova has doubled its defense investments in recent years but is still vulnerable. For this reason, its strategic relations with Western partners play a crucial role in Moldova’s efforts to deal with the consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as the hybrid war. These hybrid actions attack the state’s fundamental institutional structure, reducing our society’s resilience. In this context, Romania is committed to supporting the accession process of Moldova and Ukraine in Euro-Atlantic security structures. Thanks to the Euro-Atlantic aid offered to Moldova, its energy dependence on Russia was also greatly reduced, aiding Moldova’s de facto integration with the West.