In a regional and European environment marked by hybrid threats, attempts at external interference, and sustained pressure on democratic processes, operational cooperation and strong institutional coordination are essential to safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.
Against this backdrop, the European Union Support Center for Internal Security and Border Management (EU Security Hub) is convening in Chisinau for its 14th meeting – an established and important cooperation format between Moldova and the European Union.
Over the course of two days, the Hub will serve as a shared working platform for national and international experts, representatives of Moldovan authorities, European institutions, EU Member States, and agencies. Participants will examine recent electoral experiences, analyse patterns of external interference, identify vulnerabilities, and explore how institutions can respond in a professional, coordinated manner to increasingly sophisticated risks.
Dedicated to protecting democratic values in the electoral context, this edition highlights the maturity of the Security Hub, which has evolved from a support mechanism to an operational cooperation platform focused on threat anticipation, information exchange, and translating lessons learned into action.
Discussions follow an integrated approach, focusing on coordination among national law enforcement authorities in safeguarding democratic processes, the experience of EU Member States in securing elections, and the administrative and communication mechanisms required for a coherent response to hybrid threats. Particular attention is given to protecting the information space, as well as to the role of communities, the media, and civil society, alongside the challenges faced by Moldova in recent electoral cycles.
In this context, Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin emphasized that Moldova has reached a stage at which it not only applies European best practices, but also actively contributes to the democratic security at the regional level.
“Moldova is approaching a decisive stage in its European journey. The EU Security Hub is part of this preparation. It directly supports our alignment with European standards in internal security, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental values,” said Minister Misail-Nichitin.
Olivier Onidi, Deputy Director-General for Home Affairs at the European Commission (DG HOME), stated: “Moldova has demonstrated remarkable resilience in recent times. In the run-up to last year’s parliamentary elections, the country faced major challenges, including hybrid threats and AI-driven disinformation to derail Moldova from its pro-European path. The citizens of Moldova, however, once again stood fast and chose a European future. This victory is a shared achievement, made possible by both domestic courage and the unwavering support of the EU”.
Iwona Piórko, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, emphasized:
“The hybrid threats facing Moldova are serious and persistent. At the same time, the determination of its institutions and citizens to defend democratic values is equally strong. The European Union will continue to stand with Moldova – supporting reforms, strengthening resilience, and upholding the principle that a country’s future must be decided freely and fairly by its citizens”.
“Moldova is a positive example, demonstrating that even with limited resources, perseverance and commitment can enable a country to withstand a wide range of complex hybrid attacks aimed at undermining democratic elections and the European path,” said Cosmin Dinescu, Head of the European Union Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova.
Participants will agree on common strategic directions and operational actions to ensure that experiences and lessons learned are translated into sustainable policies and mechanisms for the protection of democracy.
The event is co-organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the European Commission, through the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), and the European Union Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova (EUPM).
Background information:
The European Union Support Center for Internal Security and Border Management (EU Security Hub) is an operational platform that facilitates cooperation in the fields of internal security and border management between EU institutions, Member States, and authorities of Moldova.
Established in July 2022, the Security Hub operates as a joint operational group, a facilitator for professional networks, and a forum for strategic dialogue. Over more than three years of activity, the platform has delivered tangible results, strengthening cooperation between Moldovan institutions and European partners, and ensuring a continuous exchange of information on cross-border crime and hybrid threats.
