The Republic of Moldova – extended security belt of the European Union discussed with the Europol representatives

The EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in the Republic of Moldova has achieved results in favour of strengthening this mechanism, European Commissioner Ylva Johansson told members of the EU Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council.

In this regard, Andrei Cecoltan, State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, had a bilateral meeting with Deputy Director of Europol, Jean-Philippe Lecouffe.

The meeting followed the EU JHA Council meeting held on March 9-10, in Brussels, which assessed the operational results of the EU Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management in the Republic of Moldova.

Officials discussed about the EU Support Hub, which has become an essential element in the fight and prevention of cross-border crime in Moldova and the EU, as well as proposals for its development in the coming period.

It was also stressed the importance of the Republic of Moldova in the security architecture of the European continent and the need for the EU to stand by Moldova in strengthening the European security belt, which brings more stability and a safer social climate at the borders.

At the same time, the hybrid threats from the Russian Federation were discussed, as well as the prospects and priorities for cooperation with the EU MS.

Please note that the Letter of Intent signed in Brussels at the beginning of March this year between Europol and the Ministry of Internal Affairs improves the cooperation between the European structure and the internal affairs system from Moldova, including by piloting innovative technologies implemented by Europol. The document is of significant importance for the internal affairs system, in particular in terms of joint analytical products, which represent also a recommendation of the EU Commission in the process of Moldova’s accession to the European Union.