Norway has opened the way for its companies to export military equipment and related services to the Republic of Moldova.
The Norwegian government announced the decision on Tuesday, September 29, allowing Norwegian companies to export defence equipment to Moldova, as well as related services, training and technology.
The decision comes amid the deteriorating security environment in the region and Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Norwegian State Secretary Eivind Vad Petersson informed Moldova’s Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi about the decision during the “Pathways to Peace” conference in Toronto.
According to the Norwegian authorities, since 2022, Norway has provided Moldova with approximately 2.5 billion Norwegian kroner in civilian support through the Nansen Programme for Ukraine. Military assistance will be provided separately and financed from Norway’s regular defence budget rather than through the programme.
The Norwegian government says Moldova is particularly affected by the consequences of the war in Ukraine. Oslo also points to Moldova’s border with Ukraine and NATO member states, as well as the authorities’ efforts to advance reforms and European integration.
Until now, Moldova had not been authorized to receive military equipment from Norway.
Norwegian authorities say that although there is no imminent threat of armed conflict in Moldova, the country is facing what Oslo describes as Russian hybrid activities aimed at undermining democratically elected authorities and Moldova’s European path.
Under the new decision, exports of military equipment from categories A and B will be permitted, along with related services, training, brokering and technology transfers.
Category A includes weapons, ammunition and certain types of military equipment. Category B covers other equipment, goods and technologies specifically developed or modified for military purposes.
Exports to Moldova will be subject to the same strict control mechanisms applied to military exports to Ukraine. Equipment may be exported only to Moldovan state authorities as the end user, while each application will be assessed individually based on established criteria and documentation requirements.
Norwegian companies can now apply for export licences for military equipment intended for Moldova. Norwegian authorities are also expected to publish guidelines on the licence application procedure.
Moldova’s Ministry of Defence welcomed the decision, describing it as support for strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
“The assistance announced today represents another important step in advancing the modernization of our defence capabilities in support of peace, stability and the safety of our citizens,” the Ministry of Defence said.