The 14th meeting of the European Union Support Hub for Internal Security and Border Management (EU Security Hub), held in Chisinau, reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding democratic electoral processes in a regional context marked by hybrid threats, external interference, and attempts to undermine public trust.
Participants unanimously emphasized that free, fair, and transparent elections are a cornerstone of democracy and that their integrity must be protected against all forms of interference, including disinformation campaigns, illicit financing, and other actions aimed at influencing citizens' electoral choices.
The meeting underscored the need to uphold the rule of law as the foundation of the credibility and legitimacy of the electoral framework. In this regard, Moldova and the European Union will continue to assess and strengthen existing legal instruments, adapt legislation, and reinforce institutional capacities to address emerging threats and evolving tactics used to destabilize democratic processes.
Strong emphasis was placed on enhanced cooperation among public authorities, civil society, the media, and citizens to build resilience against both internal and external threats. During the panel discussions on the information space, participants highlighted the essential role these actors play in countering disinformation, promoting accurate information, and strengthening public trust. At the same time, it was reaffirmed that the media and civil society, together with public institutions, are key to ensuring transparency, public accountability, and a secure pluralistic information environment.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of interinstitutional cooperation, not only to prevent threats, but also to respond to, deter, and proactively manage risks to the integrity of electoral processes.
The Deputy Director-General for Home Affairs of the European Commission (DG HOME), Olivier Onidi, stated:
"This HUB meeting was particularly substantive and informative. Together with professionals from Moldova, the EU, and Armenia, we addressed various aspects of hybrid interference in the elections in Moldova and examined lessons learned and best practices. These exchanges allow us to further strengthen our cooperation in order to protect the security ecosystem of Europe and beyond".
Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Andrei Cecoltan, noted:
"Protecting democratic elections is a shared responsibility. The coordinated response of all involved actors demonstrates that only through cooperation can we ensure free, independent, and credible elections. The support of our partners and ongoing joint initiatives will help us sustain this momentum, keep Moldova on its European path and protect citizens from persistent threats".
The EU Security HUB platform once again demonstrated its capacity to address complex issues, assess progress, and facilitate experience sharing to enhance further collaboration. In the context of Moldova’s strategic objective of EU accession, the EU Security Hub remains a key instrument for strengthening democratic resilience and enhancing the country’s contribution to regional security.