The Council of the European Union on 13 July 2026 adopted an assistance measure worth €120 million under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova in enhancing their air defence capabilities. The measure will finance a mid-range air defence system, complementing previous EPF assistance for air surveillance and air defence. This brings the EU's total EPF support to Moldova to €317 million.
The decision aims to improve the operational effectiveness of the Moldovan Armed Forces, thereby better protecting civilians. The EPF, established in March 2021, finances Common Foreign and Security Policy actions in military and defence areas, including strengthening the capacities of third states. This assistance measure follows earlier EU support for Moldova's defence sector, reflecting continued EU engagement in Eastern Europe amid regional security concerns.
The measure impacts several stakeholders. For Moldova, it directly enhances national air defence capabilities, improving civilian protection and military readiness. EU taxpayers bear the €120 million cost, part of the broader EPF budget. The EU defence industry may benefit from supplying the mid-range air defence system. Russia, while not an EU stakeholder, may view the measure as escalating Western military support to Moldova, potentially straining EU-Russia relations. The decision underscores the EU's commitment to bolstering the security of its Eastern partners without direct EU military involvement.