The Republic of Moldova strengthens its European integration not only as a political step but also as a signal of stability for the economic environment. In a complex regional context where investors carefully assess security risks, the country can attract foreign capital by building closer ties with European structures and cooperating pragmatically with Western partners. Central and Eastern European countries show that geopolitical stability precedes economic growth. Poland, Romania, and the Baltic states experienced an investment boom after they strengthened strategic security partnerships, including cooperation with NATO. For Moldova, maintaining neutrality does not prevent adopting a similar collaboration model, adapted to its constitutional status.
The Role of National and Regional Security in Attracting Foreign Capital
Parliament President Igor Grosu, when asked whether EU membership would provide Moldova with guarantees, stated that “any EU member country, whether part of a military bloc or neutral, benefits from greater security.”
Grosu emphasized on the public television program “În context” (In Context) on October 22: “This sends a very positive signal to investors because it provides more certainty — the assurance that the country will access financial resources and large investments, including infrastructure projects. Returning to the economic growth plan, this is not only about roads and interconnections. A priority for agricultural development is irrigation systems, which require significant investments in railways, logistics hubs, and so on. This is a very clear signal for investors: the country has taken a step closer to the European Union.”
Grosu’s statement highlights the direct connection between stability and investor confidence, a principle valid for any emerging economy. Even without formal membership, cooperation with NATO can provide an additional security anchor. The Alliance offers partner states modern cyber protection tools, military training, and expertise in crisis management. These mechanisms increase national resilience and indirectly strengthen the investment climate.
Cooperation with NATO Without Membership: A Safe Option for a Neutral Country
Expert-Grup explains that the myth claiming EU integration requires NATO membership does not hold. The EU acquis contains no such provision. NATO remains a separate organization that includes non-European members, such as Canada and the USA.
Sweden (joined NATO in 2024) and Finland (joined NATO in 2023) exemplified active neutrality for decades. Before joining NATO, both countries collaborated intensively with the Alliance in defense, benefiting from stability and international trust. Moldova can follow a similar model, using the Partnership for Peace as a preventive security instrument.
Experts noted: “Even disregarding legal requirements and analyzing NATO members within the EU, 85% of EU states belong to NATO, but Russia’s aggressive policy largely influenced this number. After Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden requested NATO membership. NATO and the EU cooperate on issues of common interest, crisis management, capacity building, and support for mutual partners. NATO remains the foundation of collective defense for its allies and is essential for Euro-Atlantic security.”
Economic Predictability and Security
Moldova attracts investments in infrastructure development, agricultural modernization, and energy diversification only under predictable conditions. Foreign investors evaluate not only economic returns but also the state’s ability to manage external risks. The government provides this security through balanced foreign policy and pragmatic cooperation with NATO.
The country prioritizes strengthening cyber defense in a world where cyberattacks can destabilize entire economies. Moldova participates in NATO digital security programs to protect critical infrastructure and boost investor confidence in strategic sectors.
Cooperation with the Alliance also professionalizes law enforcement and increases civil institutions’ capacity to manage emergencies. This institutional stability translates into economic security and predictability for the business environment.
Romania, which joined the NATO in 2004, serves as the largest investor in the Moldovan economy. Moldovan Ambassador to Bucharest Victor Chirila reported on October 8: “Romanian companies have already allocated over €300 million in investments.”