Today, in the margins of the informal Home Affairs Council Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson and the Moldovan Minister of Internal Affairs, Ana Revenco launched the EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova. As an operational platform, the EU Support Hub will support cooperation on internal security and border management between the EU, its Agencies, the Member States and the Moldovan authorities. The hub will be established in Chișinău and coordinated by the  Delegation of the European Union to Moldova.

Russia’s unjustified war against Ukraine led to risks to the internal security both in the EU and in Moldova. Due to its geographical location, Moldova has a key role to play in addressing the criminal and security implications of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The launch of the EU Support Hub is a further reflection of Moldova’s European perspective, in accordance with the decision of the European Council to grant the status of a candidate country to Moldova.

Vice-President for Promoting our European way of Life Margaritis Schinas said: “Today we are taking a tangible step to further enhance the security partnership between the EU and the Republic of Moldova, facilitating cooperation and operational action to address shared security threats. The EU Support Hub will serve as a gateway for the Moldovan authorities to access EU cooperation and support mechanisms and is testament to our strong commitment to an ever closer partnership.”

Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johanssonsaid: “Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine is a challenge to all of us and has a significant impact on our internal security. With the launch of the EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in Moldova, we take the cooperation with our Moldovan partners to the next level to address related security threats. The hub will enhance our joint operational action with Moldova to address the challenges posed by organised crime, including the trafficking of firearms or trafficking in human beings. It will also help Moldova to participate in our EU tools and instruments on internal security.”