The Ministry of Internal Affairs is hosting the 12th meeting of the EU Security Hub for Internal Security and Border Management, bringing together law enforcement specialists from the EU and member states. The meeting aims to strengthen joint efforts to prevent and combat illegal funding in electoral processes, threatening democracy and state stability.
Participants from Moldova, Poland, Romania, Germany, France, and Austria are analyzing how criminal groups might influence elections. The discussions focus on identifying illicit financial flows used for electoral purposes, necessary countermeasures, and common prevention adoption and response strategies.
“Foreign interference in elections is a real threat, and protecting democracy requires vigilance and action. Greater transparency in party financing and stronger institutions overseeing electoral integrity are essential. Every citizen also plays a role—an informed vote, critical thinking, and civic engagement are the most powerful tools against manipulation. Moldova is at a decisive moment in its history, and its future depends on fair, free elections, protected from foreign influence,” stated Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
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EU Ambassador to Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks, reaffirmed the EU’s support in strengthening Moldova’s institutions against such threats:
“Election interference financed through illicit financial flows is not just a problem in Moldova but also in the EU and worldwide. Dirty money will undermine democratic elections and influence political forces benefiting foreign states. That’s why exchanging best practices and lessons learned among partners is crucial—we can both support Moldova and learn from your experience. The EU will continue supporting Moldova’s electoral resilience and strengthening its democratic process,” said Mažeiks.
Security experts analyzed how external actors use foreign interference tactics to manipulate election outcomes. Discussions focused on identifying the methods behind illegal financial flows aimed at influencing public opinion.
Kirsten Joppe, Deputy Head of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova), highlighted the importance of continued joint efforts to counter hybrid threats:
“EUPM Moldova, the first EU civilian mission under the Common Security and Defense Policy with a mandate to support FIMI (foreign information manipulation and interference) countermeasures, has directly assisted Moldova, particularly through advisory support and best practice exchanges. It includes efforts to combat illicit financial flows, a widely used hybrid tool for election interference.”
During the second part of the event, participants are working on mechanisms for detecting and penalizing electoral crimes. The practical session facilitates interactive discussions with experts from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) and other international institutions.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, discussions focus on current challenges and potential action plans. Through case studies and practical exercises, experts are exploring ways to disrupt illegal financial circuits and strengthen prevention mechanisms.
The EU Security Hub for Internal Security and Border Management operates as a joint task force supporting cooperation in internal security and border management among EU agencies, member states, and Moldovan authorities. Its activities have led to closer collaboration between Moldova’s institutions and European partners, along with improved information-sharing on transnational crime and hybrid threats.