Even before the official opening of the NATO Summit in The Hague, expert circles were already discussing the historical significance of this turning point in reshaping the Euro-Atlantic security architecture amid today’s tense geopolitical context. The NATO Summit in The Hague brought together political leaders, ministers, analysts, and academics to debate the Alliance’s strategic direction in the face of global challenges. Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine, intensifying hybrid attacks, and global strategic competition, leaders from the 32 NATO member states discussed key priorities: strengthening collective defence, increasing security investments, and expanding cooperation with partner countries. What are the main outcomes of the Summit, and how will they shape the evolving European security architecture? What should Moldova expect? What are the potential threats to regional security, given its proximity to the Ukrainian front line? How will Moldova-NATO relations evolve in this international dynamic?
The central issue of the NATO 2025 Summit was increasing defence spending. According to NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu, the Summit reaffirmed member states’ commitment to allocate up to 5% of their GDP for defence: 3.5% for equipment and forces, and 1.5% for infrastructure, cybersecurity, and resilience. Reactions among allies were mixed and sparked controversy. For instance, Spain openly opposed this spending level, calling the target “unjustified.” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez argued that Spain could achieve its military capability goals with just 2.1% of GDP. Canada also faced criticism from Washington. Meanwhile, leading European economies such as Germany, Italy, Poland (which allocated more than 4% of GDP in 2024), and Slovakia expressed readiness to comply with the new commitment, although on different timelines and depending on EU budget rule changes. Romania also backed the initiative and committed to increasing its defence spending.
This year, Moldova did not participate directly in the NATO Summit but was represented through its strategic partnership with Romania. Romania remains not only a responsible and active NATO ally, a key security provider in the Black Sea region and beyond, but also publicly states that NATO membership has brought the most robust security guarantees in its history. Accredited Moldovan journalists actively reported from the Summit, and Moldovan experts took part in the NATO Public Forum discussions.
On the sidelines of the Summit, former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu emphasized that Romania plays a key role in promoting Moldova’s interests in Euro-Atlantic discussions, acting as an intermediary in Moldova-NATO dialogue, based on a mutual partnership and the principles of neutrality, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Romania’s deep understanding of Moldova’s unique geostrategic position allows it to advocate for dialogue aligned with Moldova’s national interests and defence needs. Meanwhile, many Moldovan citizens do not fully understand why states increase defence budgets and arm themselves – and especially do not support Moldova spending more on its own defence. Yet, the international context demands a more thorough analysis of the opportunities for cooperation with Romania and other NATO members to strengthen Moldova’s own capacities. That is why it is crucial for Moldova to maintain dialogue with NATO, and even without formal presence, to participate through the voice of its partners – especially Romania, which strongly supports Moldova’s European path and NATO partnership as a foundation for long-term resilience and prosperity. NATO has long supported defence reforms in Moldova. Increased investments from NATO allies will allow this support to expand.
In February 2025, Moldova took a major step forward by adopting a new Individual Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) for 2025–2028. Unlike IPAP, which focused primarily on military reforms, ITPP offers a broader set of actions –18 strategic projects with a projected budget exceeding USD 100 million – aimed at modernizing equipment and technology, training programs, and institutional development. The program covers key areas such as:
– Cybersecurity: protection of critical digital infrastructure, prevention of cyberattacks, and countering disinformation – crucial in the context of information warfare in the region.
– Local governance: strengthening administrative and operational capabilities at the local level for rapid and coordinated crisis response.
– Energy and critical infrastructure: diversification and security of energy sources, protection of key infrastructure from external threats.
– Military and civil training: preparing armed forces and civilian personnel to participate in international missions (e.g., KFOR in Kosovo), providing practical experience and integration into multinational structures.
The adoption of the ITPP 2025–2028 took place in an extremely tense geopolitical context, with nearby armed conflicts and growing hybrid threats. The program offers a solid framework for modernizing national capacities, improving interoperability with international partners, and increasing societal resilience to modern challenges.
It is worth noting that the declaration adopted at the 2024 NATO Summit was a milestone for Moldova’s cooperation with the Alliance. While Moldova officially maintains its neutrality, the strategic documents highlight the need to strengthen its national defence and resilience in the face of increasingly complex regional threats. A key achievement in this regard is the modernization of Moldova’s security and defence structures, supported by NATO through the Defense Capacity Building (DCB) package.
The DCB package consists of a range of measures to improve Moldova’s military operational and logistical capabilities, aligning them with NATO standards and practices. It includes specialized training, the procurement of modern equipment, and capacity development in related fields such as cyber defence, emergency preparedness, and civil protection. Through this support, Moldova is gradually transitioning from a traditional form of passive neutrality to a model of pragmatic neutrality, one based on real resilience, not just declarations.
Thanks to NATO cooperation at the legislative and strategic levels, Moldovan authorities have made progress in adopting legal frameworks to support these developments and in aligning national laws with Euro-Atlantic standards. Legal provisions for the protection of critical infrastructure have been strengthened, and rapid crisis response mechanisms have been enhanced. Cyber threat responses are expected to improve significantly.
In conclusion, Moldova’s risks stem from the unstable regional environment. The ability to mitigate them depends largely on strategic partners – but also on Moldova itself, which must continue the defence and security reforms started through this partnership, enhance military training, and improve crisis management strategies. Moldova is also concerned about nuclear risks in the region, especially in light of ongoing crises at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant due to Russia’s invasion and continued military activity in Ukraine. A strategic approach to Black Sea security and border security, especially in the Transnistrian area, should focus on peaceful methods of preserving regional stability and preventing escalation. This makes it essential for Moldova to maintain strong partnerships, gradually implement the ITPP, and constructively engage with the NATO Defense Capacity Building package.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foreign Policy Association.
