Estonian MEP: Security situation in Moldova requiring EU's attention, action

TALLINN – Estonian MEP and deputy chairman of the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee Urmas Paet said that the security situation of Moldova, a European Union candidate country, requires the EU's attention and quick action due to Russia's plans.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu made a public announcement on Monday morning that Russia is planning a coup d'etat in Moldova, and according to Paet, the EU must respond to it. According to Sandu, Moscow plans to use mercenaries from Russia, Belarus, Serbia and Montenegro to overthrow the pro-Western leadership of Moldova.

President Sandu's briefing came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine had detected a Russian secret service plan to destroy Moldova, which was later confirmed by Moldovan intelligence officials.

The EU and other democratic countries must urgently provide EU candidate Moldova with the necessary means to deal more effectively with the country's security risks. At the same time, operational activities must be continued in order to identify further attempts to destabilize the country, including by way of spreading disinformation.

The EU must continue and accelerate the provision of macroeconomic financial assistance and energy sector support to Moldova. A readiness action plan should be drawn up in case the security situation in Moldova deteriorates.

The EU must demand an official position from the authorities of EU candidate countries Serbia and Montenegro, with which they would provide the EU with the information they have about Russia's plans and the possible involvement of the citizens of Serbia and Montenegro.

According to Paet, the situation in Moldova is very fragile and it requires the EU's serious attention and action now.