Brussels, January 29, 2026 – Secretary of State of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Alexandru Bejan participated in a meeting of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) focused on developments and initiatives in the field of small arms and light weapons (SALW) control and demining activities.
The event brought together representatives of NATO member states and EAPC partner countries, as well as officials from NATO entities responsible for partnerships, cooperative security, and arms control.
During the session, Mr. Bejan presented the situation in Moldova regarding SALW control, in the context of security challenges generated by the war in Ukraine and the increased risks of illicit trafficking in arms and ammunition. He highlighted enhanced detection capabilities, while also pointing to the existing vulnerabilities, including unregistered weapons, the illegal conversion of non-lethal weapons, and the use of online platforms for criminal activities.
The official outlined key measures aimed at strengthening the legal and institutional framework, including the alignment of national legislation with European Union standards, the adoption of the National Programme for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons 2026 - 2030, the establishment of the National Firearms Focal Point, and the development of the automated State Weapons Register, which ensures centralized record-keeping and real-time monitoring.
The SALW Programme aims to reduce risks associated with illegal weapons, promote the voluntary surrender of firearms, and strengthen the capacities of relevant authorities, with a direct impact on community safety.
"Effective control of small arms and light weapons requires strong inter-institutional coordination, continuous adaptation to emerging threats, and operational cooperation at regional and international levels," said Secretary of State Bejan.
The discussion also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, information exchange, and the support provided by NATO and international partners in building institutional capacities and implementing international standards.
During the meeting, Secretary of State Bejan held two bilateral meetings. In discussion with Eirini Lemos-Maniati, Head of the Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Section within NATO Headquarters’ Political Affairs and Security Policy Division, participants reviewed regional security developments, the impact of the war in the neighbouring country on illicit arms trafficking risks, and Moldova’s efforts to strengthen SALW control and cooperation under the NATO Defense Capacity Building Initiative. He also met with the Romanian Ambassador to NATO, Dan Nicolăescu, to discuss bilateral cooperation in the field of internal security, including information exchange, best practices, and Romania's support strengthening Moldova’s institutional capacities.
Moldova's participation in the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council underscores the commitment of national authorities to strengthening national and regional security through cooperation, information exchange, and enhanced small arms and light weapons control mechanisms.