Moldova

Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, The Republic of Moldova is in a strategically significant location and vulnerable to conflict spill-over and cross-border trafficking of weapons and other material because of the war in Ukraine.

It holds a significant stockpile of mostly obsolete Soviet-era munitions, much of which is past its shelf life. This ammunition is stored in often unsafe conditions, creating a high risk of unplanned explosions that could injure and kill any civilians or military personnel nearby. Many storage sites in Moldova are located close to military and civilian populations.

The country's munitions are also vulnerable to trafficking across Europe. Given its proximity to Ukraine, Moldovan weapons and ammunition are especially vulnerable to potential diversion as part of criminal trafficking.

Moldova is at risk as a weapons trafficking route to transport weapons to and from the conflict zone to other regions of Europe and internationally.

HALO and NATO are working together in Moldova to implement a comprehensive weapons and ammunition management (WAM) project that includes construction, infrastructure improvements, and training to address concerns surrounding the safe and secure management of weapons and ammunition.

HALO also plans to conduct assessment visits and liaison with governments in the wider Eastern Europe region to plan and implement WAM projects to improve the safety and security in the region.

This project will reduce the likelihood of unplanned explosions, increase the security of Moldova's weapons and ammunition stockpiles, and improve the security of not only Moldova but also the wider region.

Additionally, by aligning Moldova's defence practices with EU and international standards, the initiative will support the country's aspirations for EU membership, fostering greater regional stability and cooperation.