Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
93. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the assessment of the Moldovan foreign minister that if Ukraine falls to Russia, Moldova will be the next target for Russian aggression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20738/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMoldova has been significantly impacted by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In addition to taking in the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per capita in Europe, there is ongoing evidence that Moldova has been systematically targeted with hybrid attacks by the Russian Federation, with the aim of destabilising Moldova’s democracy and derailing its EU membership path.
Ireland and the EU continue to monitor developments in Transnistria, which continues to host a Russian military presence within Moldova’s internationally recognised borders, further adding to tensions in the region. It is clear that Moldova has been subject to foreign interference and disinformation efforts in an attempt to sow discord and undermine democratic processes.
In response, the EU has provided Moldova with significant financial and political support over the past two years. Last year, Ireland supported the creation of the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova to enhance resilience in the security sector against hybrid threats, and supported the decision to adopt a new sanctions regime, targeting individuals who seek to destabilise Moldova. To date, 11 such individuals have been sanctioned.
Ireland supports the EU’s increased cooperation with and assistance to Moldova and we continue to engage bilaterally with our Moldovan counterparts on these issues. I personally met with Foreign Minister Popsoi during the Munich Security Conference to discuss the challenges Moldova is facing. Ireland announced €2 million in support to Moldova at the Moldova Support Platform in October last year, in addition to €5 million previously committed. Minister Carroll MacNeill also met with Deputy Prime Minister Cristina Gherasimov on 30 April in Brussels to discuss Moldova’s EU accession process and ongoing reform efforts.
The Government has also decided to open a resident embassy in Chisinau in 2025, which reflects our commitment to EU enlargement and to the further development of bilateral relations with Moldova.
