In an increasingly unstable world, where Russia remains a major source of destabilization and the global order seems to be falling apart, the Republic of Moldova relies on its strategic relationship with Romania and the EU accession process to ensure security, freedom and peace, Moldovan President Maia Sandu told a press conference on Thursday, where she presented the country's foreign policy and defense priorities for 2026, according to the Deschide.md portal.
"We must be part of alliances, have good friends capable of helping us when needed. Therefore, our foreign policy will focus on firmly anchoring in solid and pragmatic partnerships. The most important partnership is with the European Union. EU accession is the most realistic strategy for survival and development as part of the free world. The strategic relationship with Romania constitutes a central pillar of security, stability and development, as well as of our European path," Maia Sandu emphasized.
According to her, the global situation is increasingly uncertain, as the great powers are trying to create spheres of influence, and the world is becoming ever more dangerous for small countries. In this context, the Republic of Moldova must be able to maintain peace and remain part of the free world.
"In our region and across the continent, Russia remains a major source of destabilization. Under these increasingly worrying conditions, we must focus on preserving peace and remaining part of the free world. It is important to understand that, in addition to peace, we also need freedom. Authoritarian regimes have no respect for human life. The Kremlin regime imprisons innocent people and mobilizes its own citizens to use them in the war of aggression. We know how our grandparents suffered during the totalitarian regime. We do not want Moldovans to go through such horrors again," said Maia Sandu.
For this reason, a priority in foreign policy will be to strengthen bilateral partnerships with friendly states, but also to intensify collaboration with alliances, including NATO. At the same time, as long as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, the security of the Republic of Moldova directly depends on the neighboring state, making firm and direct support for Ukraine essential for the authorities in Chisinau, she said.
Also, the Republic of Moldova will continue to strengthen its resilience by consolidating its defense capabilities, Sandu added.
"Of course, our resources are limited compared to the needs or budgets of other states. Whereas the annual defense budget of the Republic of Moldova is a little over 100 million euros, Austria's is 5 billion, and Switzerland's almost 10 billion. It is important to reach 1% of GDP. We also rely on the support of our partners. In the last four years, we have benefited from approximately 100 million euros from the EU, 40 million from NATO and other significant amounts from Germany, the US, Romania, Poland and other partners. This assistance is non-refundable and represents a clear proof of trust. It shows us that we are not alone and that our security matters for Europe," added President Sandu.
In 2025, the Republic of Moldova approved the National Defense Strategy and purchased anti-aircraft and anti-drone defense systems. In 2026, the Republic of Moldova will receive another radar through an EU grant. The priorities for 2026 are clear: modernization of military infrastructure and alignment with Western standards across the entire military spectrum, Maia Sandu indicated.
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