Germany to send its contingent to the EU civilian mission in Moldova

The German government has decided to send a contingent to the European Union Partnership Mission Moldova (EUPM Moldova).

This was stated by government spokesman Steffen Gebestreit, Ukrinform reports.

"The German contingent will consist of a maximum of 15 people," Gebestreit said.

Their task is to support national security. The mandate includes strategic advice, training, and equipment, if necessary, to strengthen Moldova's capabilities in areas such as crisis management, cybersecurity, and hybrid threat analysis, the spokesman added.

"The Republic of Moldova is seriously affected by Russia's illegal aggressive war against Ukraine, and Russian attempts to destabilize the situation in the country continue. These attempts to destabilize are aimed at sabotaging the course of reforms and European integration," Gebestreit said.

German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Andrea Sasse added: "We see a continuation of powerful destabilization efforts, disinformation campaigns, the use of energy as a weapon, and cyber attacks. The situation in the country is very difficult."

"We, of course, recognize Transnistria as an integral part of Moldova," the diplomat emphasized.

She also clarified that three candidates for the mission have been approved so far: a police officer and two experts.

Sasse also recalled that last year, Germany, France, and Romania created a platform to mobilize assistance to Moldova, which has received many Ukrainian refugees. In 2022, three donor conferences were held, at which Germany alone provided €120 million in aid.

Author - Olena Madiak, 25/05/2023