On November 18, 2025, Chișinău witnessed a crucial political declaration from the European Union regarding the security of Moldova. This was articulated by Commissioner Andrius Kubilius during his speech at the Moldova Security Forum 2025. In his pre-recorded address, Kubilius praised Moldova’s resilience against Russian pressures, portraying it as a model for the entire Union, while emphatically stating that EU expansion is vital for the continent’s security.
Kubilius acknowledged the unwavering stance of Moldova in the face of Russian aggression, noting that the country did not falter when gas supplies were cut off or when “millions of Russian rubles” were utilized to disrupt democratic processes. Highlighting the collective defense of citizens’ rights and public opinion against hybrid attacks, he credited Moldova’s institutions for demonstrating operational maturity and efficiency amid a “brutal hybrid war” targeting the nation’s democracy. The strong public support for the European vector in elections was seen as a “passed test,” reinforcing societal resilience against external pressures.
His core message bore significant geopolitical weight: “Touch Moldova, and you touch the European Union!” Kubilius argued that the EU cannot merely express concern in response to hybrid warfare; it must adopt a firm stance that emphasizes operational action and institutional fortification. He pointed out that Moldova has shown what effective responses look like, referring to the roles played by police, prosecutors, and the judiciary in dismantling networks aimed at undermining democracy.
In a notable assertion for a European Commission official, Kubilius stated that the history of defending against hybrid warfare will recognize Moldova as the birthplace of victory, positioning the nation as a source of lessons for the wider Union. Amid growing hybrid threats—including drones and weather balloons disrupting civilian operations in Europe—the commissioner emphasized that the EU has much to learn from Chișinău’s experiences.
Kubilius also highlighted the EU’s substantial support for bolstering Moldova’s security and resilience. Since 2021, the EU has allocated over €2 billion in financial assistance, with nearly €200 million provided through the European Peace Facility, making Moldova its largest beneficiary after Ukraine. These funds are primarily focused on air defense, military transport, and training, aimed at strengthening the country’s self-defense and deterrent capabilities. The commissioner affirmed that EU sanctions target those attempting to destabilize Moldova.
Politically, Kubilius reiterated that Moldova is making “excellent progress” and pointed to a realistic possibility for the country to join the European Union before 2030. This ambitious timeline hinges on internal reforms and necessary transformations within the EU’s institutional framework. He pointed out that Moldova and the EU are mutually reliant, stating, “Not only do you need us, but we also need you,” underscoring that a more extensive Union would be both “stronger and safer.”
Kubilius concluded with a reaffirmation of Brussels’ political commitment to Chișinău and Kyiv, asserting that “Moldova and Ukraine belong to the European Union. Let us together fulfill the next reunification of Europe.” His address unequivocally established that the security of Moldova is now considered an integral part of European security, leaving a lasting impact on the officials attending the Forum.
