Chișinău, August 20, 2024 – The Minister of Internal Affairs of Moldova, Adrian Efros, held a meeting with Pål Jonson, Minister for Defence of Sweden, and Carl Oskar Bohlin, Minister for Civil Defence of Sweden. The discussions centred on critical topics such as regional security, EU-related issues, bilateral cooperation, crisis management, and hybrid threats.
During the meeting, Minister Adrian Efros expressed gratitude for Sweden’s unwavering support in Moldova’s journey towards European Union integration. Sweden remains one of the top five core donors in the field of Home Affairs, contributing 4% of the total funds allocated to this sector through various impactful projects.
Minister Efros emphasized the importance of the close and ongoing collaboration between Moldova and Sweden at all levels. This partnership not only enhances bilateral and sectoral cooperation but also underscores Sweden’s strong commitment to supporting Moldova’s EU accession.
The discussions also covered regional security, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation between Moldova and the EU in the field of security and defence. Minister Efros highlighted Moldova’s engagement in regular high-level political and security dialogues with the EU, the cooperation with the European Union Partnership Mission (EUPM) in Moldova, and the operation of the Moldova-EU Security and Border Management Hub.
As Moldova approaches presidential elections and the European integration referendum, Mr. Efros informed the Swedish officials about the ongoing efforts with EU partners to prepare for and mitigate potential threats, particularly those associated with hybrid threats, such as false bomb alerts, disinformation campaigns, and cyber-attacks.
The officials discussed the growing challenges posed by hybrid threats, including cyber security, the protection of critical infrastructure, and psychological defence against malign disinformation campaigns. Moldova’s strategic approach to these issues includes the development of a national Foreign Information Manipulations and Interference (FIMI) response mechanism, set to be launched in September 2024.
On the subject of crisis management and preparedness, the ministers mentioned the ongoing cooperation between Moldova’s General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and the importance of advancing the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2022, focusing on enhancing Moldova’s capacity in the management of radioactive waste.
Minister Efros concluded the meeting by reiterating Moldova’s dedication to increasing its resilience and security capabilities, both within its borders and in the broader region, to contribute to the stability and security of the region.
