BRUSSELS — The European Union announced Monday it will provide €120 million — roughly $137 million — to bolster the air defense capabilities of Moldova, a small nation caught between the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its western neighbor, EU member Romania.
The EU’s governing body confirmed the decision in an official statement: “The Council today adopted an assistance measure worth €120 million under the European Peace Facility in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova to enhance the country’s air defence capabilities.”
The move comes amid strained relations between Moldova and Russia, which have deteriorated sharply since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. Last November, Moldova reported that Russian drones had crossed into its airspace, raising alarm about the country’s vulnerability.
Moldova occupies a unique and delicate position in the region — sandwiched between Ukraine to the east and Romania to the west. The country has a Romanian-speaking majority population alongside a significant Russian-speaking minority. For decades, political leadership there has shifted back and forth between those who favor deeper ties with Europe and those who prefer closer relations with Moscow.
