March 21, 2025, Brussels – The Republic of Moldova participated in a bilateral screening meeting with the European Union on Negotiation Chapter 31, “Foreign, Security and Defense Policy.” With this chapter, the Republic of Moldova has completed the bilateral screening sessions for Cluster 6, “External Relations.”

The meeting aimed to assess the compliance of national legislation and policies with those of the European Union in the field of foreign policy, security, and defense. Representatives of national authorities presented the legal framework and institutional structure for 13 thematic blocks:

1. Institutions and decision-making process

2. Political dialogue with third countries

3. Dialogue on human rights

4. European Peace Instrument

5. International restrictive measures

6. Conflict prevention

7. Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction / control of small arms and light weapons

8. Combating terrorism

9. Cooperation with international organizations

10. Protection of classified information

11. Missions and operations under the EU Common Security and Defense Policy / Permanent Structured Cooperation and defense topics

12. Hybrid threats, information manipulation, and foreign interference

13. Anti-corruption measures

According to the European Union’s assessment, the Republic of Moldova is between moderate and good preparedness levels in the field regulated by this chapter. In recent years, the country has made significant progress in aligning with EU restrictive measures—from 64% in 2022 to 92% in 2024.

In the defense sector, the Republic of Moldova continues to contribute to the maintenance of international peace, security, and stability by participating in international crisis management missions, including those of the European Union and the United Nations. The increased contribution of Moldova to international security is also the result of assistance provided by the EU through the European Peace Instrument, with a total allocated amount so far of 137 million euros aimed at equipping the National Army with modern military equipment.

Regarding the enhancement of the country’s resilience to hybrid threats, information manipulation, and foreign interference, special mention is made of cooperation with the European Union Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova, which since 2023 has significantly contributed to increasing national capacities in crisis management and countering hybrid threats.

Following the bilateral screening meeting, the European Union will process the information presented by the Republic of Moldova and prepare an evaluation report, which is necessary for the future launch of accession negotiations on Cluster 6, “External Relations.”