Maia Sandu stated that the Republic of Moldova cannot rely on external security guarantees if it does not treat defense as a priority. The head of state said that although investments in the defense sector have increased in recent years, both the state and society must demonstrate commitment and responsibility in this area.
“Security guarantees — of course we discuss them — but imagine why someone would come to provide security guarantees to countries that do not want to invest in their own defense. What is the logic? Why would someone come to defend you if you say that defense is not a priority for you?” Maia Sandu stressed.
During the TV program “Cabinetul din umbră”, the president said that defense has now become a priority for the Republic of Moldova and that investments have increased, including with external support. However, she added that the state must also contribute directly.
“We must also demonstrate that we are a society that understands that defense is important and that we are making our own effort — however small — but that we are contributing,” the president stated.
Referring to European integration, Maia Sandu said the process involves both opportunities and challenges within the European Union.
“The European Union must consolidate itself and demonstrate unity, which mobilizes us. But it is natural for member states to ask: if Moldova joins the EU, will it, in a few years, become an instrument of Russia against the European Union?” the president explained.
At the same time, she emphasized that the resilience demonstrated by Moldova in recent years does not mean that threats will disappear.
“We must be honest: we have demonstrated resilience in recent years, but that does not mean we are fully resilient. The Russian Federation will change and improve its instruments of interference. We see this, and we must continue strengthening our resilience — as a state, as institutions and as a society — and remain aware of these risks,” Maia Sandu said.
The president also warned that European integration does not guarantee absolute security.
“Becoming a member state of the European Union does not mean we will be 100% safe or that all economic problems will be solved overnight. However, this is our only chance for security risks to become much smaller and for our development to progress,” Maia Sandu added.