Moldova Security Forum 2025: Two Days of Strategic Dialogue on Democratic Resilience, Regional Security, and Sectorial Cooperation
The second edition of the Moldova Security Forum (MSF) concluded yesterday, 19 November, in Chișinău, bringing together over 450 participants from 32 countries – government officials, diplomats, international experts, journalists, academics, civil society leaders, and representatives of international organizations. During the event, 9 panel discussions were organized, with the participation of 66 speakers from public authorities, think-tank community, academia, business and mass-media.
This year’s edition, held under the theme “Democratic Resilience: Strengthening Security and Unity in the Face of Hybrid Threats,” highlighted the urgent need to reinforce democratic resilience, counter hybrid threats, and advance mechanisms for regional cooperation. Speakers emphasized that security and democracy are inseparable and that European enlargement represents a strategic investment in the stability of the wider Black Sea region. Effective public communication, early warning, and coordinated action were underscored as essential components in responding to hybrid challenges.
The Forum opened with remarks from representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), and the NATO Liaison Office in the Republic of Moldova, followed by an address by the President of the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Maia Sandu.
“The lessons learned from the three electoral cycles of the past two years will inform a new resilience plan to strengthen our institutions against future interference, helping Moldova reinforce its democracy, advance its development, and serve as a reliable security partner for the European Union and Ukraine”, President Sandu emphasized.
Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, reiterated the European Union’s commitment to Moldova’s European future. “We need you, and you need us. A stronger European Union is a pillar of security for the whole continent. Moldova’s future lies in the EU, Ukraine’s future lies in the EU let us make this happen as soon as possible,” he stated in Chișinău.
Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General, praised Moldova’s determination in resisting hybrid pressures: “We are proud to have the Republic of Moldova as our partner. Your courage in defending democracy clearly demonstrates your resilience in the face of political pressure, disinformation, and hostile actions. Moldova has the right to decide its own future, free from external interference. NATO supports Moldova’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and its European path. We want all Moldovan citizens to enjoy the prosperous future they deserve.”
In their remarks, officials highlighted the major security challenges facing the Republic of Moldova and the region, stressing the importance of European and Euro-Atlantic partnerships in strengthening national resilience.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi, emphasized that Moldova has remained resilient in the face of external destabilization attempts thanks to societal cohesion and strong support from international partners. “The Kremlin’s pressure on Moldova’s territorial integrity and political stability has not achieved its goals. These attempts were countered through the solidarity of Romania, Ukraine, the European Union, and NATO. Moldova is the first country to benefit from an EU Security and Defence Partnership and has adopted new national defence and cybersecurity strategies,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.
Ana Revenco, Head of the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation, presented Moldova’s first national report on foreign information manipulation and interference – a comprehensive analysis of how external actors orchestrate influence operations against the country.
During the panel dedicated to external interference in electoral processes, Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin stressed that protecting democracy against hybrid risks is essential for citizens’ safety and free elections. “The latest elections revealed the scale of hybrid threats: from illicit financing and electoral corruption to cyberattacks and information manipulation. Authorities responded through strengthened legislative and operational measures,” the minister stated.
In the discussions on security and defence, Presidential Advisor Stanislav Secrieru highlighted a shift in how Moldova is perceived amidst Russia’s hybrid warfare. “Where Moldova was once seen merely as a target of hybrid attacks, Chișinău is now increasingly recognized as an example of successful counter-hybrid strategies. Continuous legislative adaptation is essential for institutions to be able to respond quickly to evolving hybrid tactics,” he underlined.
Minister of Defence Anatolie Nosatîi emphasized that the security situation in the Black Sea region and Russia’s aggression against Ukraine have accelerated Moldova’s defence modernization efforts. “Moldova has expanded its participation in international missions, and cooperation with external partners remains vital for strengthening operational capabilities and human resources,” the minister noted.
During the session dedicated to energy security, Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu presented the key progress achieved over the past year in strengthening the Republic of Moldova’s energy independence. “The government is advancing along several strategic directions, including the development of additional interconnections with Romania, the expansion of domestic electricity generation capacity, the operationalisation of the balancing and ancillary services market, and the diversification of supply sources through long-term contracts. Energy is a fundamental component of national security, and investments in infrastructure bolster Moldova’s resilience and stability,” concluded Dorin Junghietu.
The Forum reaffirmed the Republic of Moldova’s commitment to contributing to the wider European security architecture by strengthening national institutions, deepening regional cooperation, and advancing reforms aimed at enhancing democratic resilience.
Moldova Security Forum 2025 was organized by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Moldova, the Institute for European Policies and Reforms (IPRE), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, and the NATO Liaison Office in Moldova, with the support of European and international partners.
We would like to express our gratitude to the partners of Moldova Security Forum: European Union Partnership Mission to Moldova (EUPM), Soros Foundation Moldova, German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), Embassy of Sweden in Moldova, Embassy of the Netherlands in Moldova, Embassy of Poland in Moldova, Platform for Initiatives in Security and Defence (PISA), Aspen Romania, EuroDev, European Business Association (EBA), New Strategy Centre (NSC), as well as the media partners of the event: Teleradio Moldova (TRM), NewsMaker and Caleaeuropeana.ro.
