In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the increasing influence of Russia in the region. Given Moldova’s proximity to Russia, there is a real risk that the country could become a target of Russian aggression. However, Moldova has made it clear that it intends to maintain its neutral status and has no plans to join NATO at this time.
Today, the NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoana, is set to meet with the Moldovan Interior Minister, Ana Revenco, to discuss the current security situation in the region. This meeting comes at a time when there is much concern over the possibility of Russian aggression towards Moldova, given its proximity to the country.
Moldova shares a border with Russia but is not a part of NATO. Despite this, it has been a NATO ally since 1992 and is a member of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). The EAPC was created after the Cold War as a means of improving relations between NATO and non-NATO countries in Europe and Central Asia.
Since the war in Ukraine, there have been numerous discussions about what would happen if Russia were to invade Moldova. In a vote taken after Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, 62% of the Moldovan population was against joining NATO. Moldova’s constitution also states that the country has a neutral status, which would require a constitutional amendment to join any nation.
Despite this, Moldova has maintained a close relationship with NATO and has actively participated in joint military exercises with NATO member states. The country has also received significant financial and technical assistance from NATO, which has helped to strengthen its security forces.
The meeting between Geoana and Revenco is expected to focus on the current security situation in the region and how NATO can continue to support Moldova’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. They are also likely to discuss the possibility of further cooperation between Moldova and NATO in areas such as counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
NATO has stated it remains committed to working closely with Moldova to ensure its security and stability. The EAPC is an important forum for dialogue and cooperation between NATO and its partners, and Moldova’s participation in this forum is a clear indication of its commitment to strengthening its ties with NATO.
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