Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin presented the results of the Ministry of Internal Affairs over the past four years, highlighting key achievements in strengthening public safety and advancing institutional modernization.
Daniella Misail-Nichitin, Minister of Internal Affairs:
Good afternoon and welcome to the Ministry of Internal Affairs!
Thank you for your interest and constant support.
The past four years were full of challenges - two elections, tensions at the border, and an unprecedented information warfare. Throughout this period, the Ministry’s team has worked hard to safeguard social peace, in close cooperation with other state authorities, civil society, the media, and citizens.
Today, I am pleased to present the results of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, reflecting clear progress in modernizing services, increasing the efficiency of interventions, and improving the quality of life for our citizens. These four years have been a period of transformation due to the initiatives we have been implementing.
For four years, the same dedicated team of the internal affairs system, together with Ministers Ana Revenco, Adrian Efros, and myself, has remained committed to a shared mission: serving the people. The achievements we present today are the result of the collective effort of a devoted team, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues from the Ministry and subordinate units for their perseverance and dedication throughout this journey. I also wish to express my gratitude to Prime Minister Dorin Recean for his confidence and continued support.
Strategic achievements
Dear journalists, dear citizens,
In 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs adopted, for the first time, a long-term strategy - a unique framework for the entire internal affairs system. This strategy aligns with the Government’s priorities and Moldova’s European integration path and is being implemented in two phases. During the first phase, we implemented six sectoral programs; in the second, we will implement seven.
The policy document is built around three strategic pillars: respect and care for citizens, strengthening the support system for people, and enhancing intervention capacities.
The first pillar - respect and care for citizens - has centered on safeguarding democracy and protecting every citizen’s right to vote freely. Over the past four years, Moldova has held nine elections, during which the Ministry’s teams have steadfastly defended public order and the integrity of democratic processes. They have successfully countered complex forms of external interference, fraud, cyberattacks, and attempts at destabilization.
I will not go into the details of these methods and schemes, but it is important to highlight the exponential increase in both the variety and sophistication of the tools employed, ranging from bomb threats to preparations for disrupting public order, from illegal transfers disguised as donation contracts to the involvement of foreign agents and coordinated cyberattacks. Equally concerning is the scale of resources invested, including growing sums of cash and cryptocurrency, organized influencer networks, and the use of so-called public figures from the fields of culture, sports, and beyond.
During the 2024 - 2025 election period alone, the police conducted:
- Over 1,000 searches targeting the illegal financing of political parties, electoral corruption, and related offenses;
- Nearly 300 searches related to activities intended to destabilize public order and incite mass unrest.
In total, more than 30,000 legal violations were identified.Despite the pressure faced by both the population and the authorities during these sensitive periods, daily life continued normally - public peace and order were maintained, and social stability was preserved.
All of this was achieved in full compliance with the law and respect for human rights. Throughout these two election years, the Carabinieri and Police ensured the safety of citizens during more than 32,000 public events.
These accomplishments were made possible through strong state cohesion and exemplary cooperation among law enforcement institutions, reinforced by international partnerships and significant investments in modern investigation and analytical technologies.
Today, Moldova stands as a credible partner of the European Union in the field of internal security. The exchange of information with European agencies has increased more than tenfold, supported in particular by the EU Security Hub in Chișinău.
As I mentioned earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ development strategy is built around three key pillars.
The second pillar - strengthening the support system for citizens - is directly reflected in the quality of public services.
The results of these efforts to enhance service quality are evident in the reduction of bureaucracy and administrative burdens for citizens.
Today, citizens:
- can obtain their criminal record online, available in all 24 official EU languages;
- benefit from a faster and more efficient response through the 112 emergency service, with interventions tailored to the nature of each incident;
- experience simplified border procedures, while foreign nationals can submit applications online through the “e-Filing” and “e-Migration” systems;
- can travel more easily and safely abroad due to agreements enabling coordinated controls on the territory of Romania at three crossing points: Leușeni–Albița, Giurgiulești–Galați (road), and Cantemir–Fălciu (rail), with negotiations underway to extend this model to the Sculeni–Sculeni and Lipcani–Rădăuți-Prut border points;
- benefit from joint border controls with Ukraine at six crossing points, with plans to open three additional ones;
- and, over the past four years, road traffic has been further facilitated through simplified procedures for converting driving licenses with 14 countries.
Digitalization and reducing administrative burdens have saved both time and resources, bringing Moldova ever closer to European standards for efficient digital public services. Progress has been achieved through smart solutions such as Police Intelligent Cars and the modernization of emergency response infrastructure.
At the same time, the protection framework for women and children has been strengthened through IT tools that monitor aggressors using integrated intervention methodologies.
Today, Moldova’s internal affairs system is more developed, and better equipped to respond to the needs of its citizens.
Finally, the Ministry’s development strategy also embraces the third strategic pillar - increasing intervention capacity. This pillar focuses on institutional consolidation, modernization of equipment, and enhancing the mobility of operational forces.
Over the past four years, mobility has increased 2.5 times, and operational communication is now conducted via encrypted TETRA systems, ensuring coordination even in crisis situations.
Thousands of personnel have received training both domestically and abroad, mastering modern technologies ranging from drones and thermal imaging to geospatial analysis.
These efforts have yielded tangible results. Compared to the previous period, the last four years have seen:
- a 30% decrease in minor crime;
- a 21% reduction in road accidents and a 19% decrease in fatalities;
- and a fourfold increase in the efficiency of border operations.
Nevertheless, road fatalities continue to occur, despite stricter penalties and the criminalization of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
At the same time, the impact of policies aimed at preventing and combating crime in both public and private spaces is evident in the 5% decrease in crimes against life and personal safety over the past four years.
The fight against organized crime has also intensified. In this period, the detection of serious offenses has increased significantly, including drug-related crimes, where seizures have doubled or even tripled, achieved in close cooperation with European law enforcement agencies.
Since 2021, the mechanisms for identifying organized crime groups have been modernized, and our specialists have become increasingly professional and effective.
Additionally, there has been a 108% increase in the number of decisions declaring foreigners undesirable on the territory of Moldova.
We have also achieved better control over the territory of the country:
- a 40% increase in the security of the national border;
- an increase in the number of migrants documented by the Border Police from 8 in 2021 to over 20,000 in 2024;
- a rise in cigarette and tobacco seizures from 22 in 2021 to over 9,000 in 2024.
Regarding emergency response, we have managed to reduce reaction time by one minute. It may seem small, but it makes a significant difference. We continue to develop infrastructure projects to ensure the most effective coverage of the national territory.
This is a general overview of our activities. Next, I will highlight the achievements of the Ministry’s largest units, which have successfully raised domestic standards to the European level.
Dear journalists,
Amid ongoing challenges and current operations, the National Police is undergoing accelerated modernization, focusing on digitalization, international partnerships, and closer engagement with citizens.
Police activity has continuously evolved between 2022 and 2025 through the modernization of operational technology, enhanced personnel protection, and accelerated digitalization of communications. These efforts have been supported by investments in modern equipment, vehicles, computing technologies, software solutions, and advanced intervention tools.
On the technological front, the Police has fast-tracked the digitization of services to benefit citizens directly. At the same time, digital tools have been developed for identity verification and real-time traffic monitoring, improving both efficiency and transparency in police operations.
In the information environment, the Police actively combats cybercrime and disinformation. The Cyber Laboratory investigates computer attacks, analyzes digital evidence, and identifies the sources of manipulative content. Through cooperation with international platforms, mechanisms have been established to detect and neutralize attempts at online influence, including during election periods.
Investments in forensic infrastructure have also increased. The Police now operate a Cyber Laboratory and a modern DNA laboratory, with advanced capabilities in digital forensics, technical-explosive interventions using robots and drones, high-performance physical-chemical expertise, and an automated ballistic system, all of which significantly enhance public safety.
Community safety councils have become an effective tool for dialogue between the police and citizens, helping to identify and resolve local issues more efficiently.
At the national level, there are currently 862 Community Safety Councils, involving over 18,400 community actors. Nearly 1,000 reported issues have been identified through almost 700 surveys. Measures implemented include the prevention of hooliganism, theft, and scams, as well as improvements to level crossings and the installation of road signs to enhance citizen safety.
Equally important, the regionalization of the National Police represents a strategic step in modernizing its operations. Five regional directorates - Chișinău, Center, North, South, and ATU Gagauzia - will ensure more efficient coordination and an active presence in local communities. This approach strengthens the principle of the “closest patrol”, directing resources toward rapid interventions and public safety, with more officers on the streets and fewer administrative functions tied up in offices. As a result, the police will be more active, more visible, and more able to provide citizens with a sense of security.
Through new laws and programs, outreach campaigns, prevention initiatives, and modern equipment, the National Police is consolidating itself as a European-standard institution, technologically advanced and directly serving the community.
In recent times, the activity of the General Inspectorate of Carabinieri has focused on modernization, rapid response and alignment with European standards.
A new law has been adopted that clearly defines the roles of the Carabinieri and the Police in ensuring, maintaining, and restoring public order. With the launch of five regional mobile companies in Edineț, Ungheni, Orhei, Căușeni, and Cahul, interventions across the territory have become faster and more efficient, ensuring that citizens feel safe.
Over the past four years, the Carabinieri have maintained order at over 11,000 public events.
On the international stage, Moldova continues to contribute to peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, demonstrating the professionalism and commitment of the Carabinieri to regional security.
For the first time, Moldova also helped ensure the security of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, alongside 92 other countries - a testament to our recognition as professionals.
At the same time, the National Football Information Point has been operationalized, in line with European standards for safety at sports competitions.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the past four years, border security has been transformed through a strategic effort, aligned with European standards and regional risk management practices. We have strengthened the operational capacity of the General Inspectorate of Border Police, expanded border coverage and control, and enhanced field response capabilities.
Specialized intervention units have been created, capable of effectively addressing modern challenges - from illegal migration to cross-border crime.
We have also developed aerial surveillance using modern systems, providing a comprehensive, real-time view of the state border.
We have expanded the land surveillance network, progressively covering more sectors with intelligent monitoring systems.
The mobility and interoperability of Border Police units have been strengthened, ensuring that teams can respond quickly and efficiently wherever the situation demands.
We have also implemented decision-making autonomy for patrols, a measure that enhances both field response capacity and operational confidence.
Furthermore, with the creation of the Passenger Information Unit, Moldova now operates a European-standard mechanism for analyzing and preventing security risks before they reach the border.
Border security has also advanced significantly through strengthened joint control with our European partners and neighboring countries. Coordinated controls have been implemented at three border crossings with Romania, while at the border with Ukraine, joint control is already operational at six points, with three additional points planned. This approach ensures faster processing and reduces the risk of illegal crossings.
Cooperation with the European Agency FRONTEX has become strategic. Since March 19, 2022, a total of 722 FRONTEX Statutory Corps officers have been deployed, and currently 85 FRONTEX representatives are working alongside Moldova’s Border Police to secure the borders.
The digital transformation of the border has become a reality:
- The E-Permis information system is fully operational, with over 124,000 permits issued;
- Border crossing services are increasingly accessible electronically;
- Checks are faster, and data protection has been significantly improved.
New infrastructure has strengthened operational capacity. We have established five new Border Police sectors - Toceni, Brînza, Stoianovca, Valea Mare, and Otaci (in progress), providing enhanced protection for citizens and improved working conditions for employees.
In short, the Moldova’s borders are now better supervised, better managed, and more closely integrated into European security systems.
This progress translates into a safer border, a more secure country, and a stronger position within the European security architecture.
On the strategic level, the field of migration and asylum has undergone significant transformation over the past four years. What began with only a few staff members in the Migration and Asylum Office has evolved into the General Inspectorate for Migration, which has been managing temporary protection since its reorganization and has processed over 83,000 documents.
This year alone, we have approved four regulations, including two national programs - the National Program on Migration and Asylum for 2026 - 2030 and the National Program for the Phased Integration of Foreigners. These initiatives strengthen the legal framework and align Moldova with international standards, enabling more efficient management of migration flows, protection of asylum seekers, prevention of illegal stays, and combating undeclared work. Enhanced inter-institutional coordination, partnerships with NGOs, and modernization of documentation systems have resulted in faster decisions, more effective interventions, and direct benefits for the security and safety of citizens.
At the same time, we have modernized the legal framework governing labor mobility and investment attraction by adopting the Law on the free movement and residence of EU citizens and their family members. This law simplifies their access to and integration in Moldova. We have also introduced new facilities for citizens from twenty countries, allowing them to work in Moldova for up to 90 days without a work permit. These measures address labor market needs, support the business environment, and enhance the competitiveness of the national economy.
In the field of emergency management, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations has made remarkable progress in recent years. Our professionalism has gained international recognition, as demonstrated by Moldova’s accession as a full member of the European Civil Protection Mechanism and by our participation in support missions in Greece, Romania, and Turkey, responding to wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and earthquake recovery efforts.
In recent years, we have continuously invested in infrastructure dedicated to people’s safety. Eight new facilities have been opened and made operational, while two more are nearing completion.
Seventeen energy-independent Emergency Units subdivisions have also been put into operation.
Today, 19 state-of-the-art special vehicles, donated to Moldova by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, are in active service. They are already operating in the districts of Bălți (4 units), Orhei (2 units), Ungheni (2 units), and Cahul (2 units). In Chișinău, nine special vehicles have been distributed across five units.
These investments ensure faster response times, better-trained teams, and safer communities.
The Civil Protection Shelter Map, which includes the geo-location of each shelter, along with equipment received through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, enhances intervention efficiency and the continuity of essential services. The Population Preparedness Plan also guides public education on risk awareness, self-protection measures, and appropriate behavior in emergencies. It includes information campaigns, practical training, and regular exercises. The outcome is a stronger culture of prevention and communities ready to act swiftly to protect lives and property.
Over the past four years, three volunteer fire stations have been established in Sireți, Zubrești, and Căpriana - all located in the Strășeni district.
At the same time, the Law on volunteering provides a modern framework for citizen engagement in civil protection activities.
Together, these initiatives integrate prevention, training, and response into a coherent national civil protection program. As a result, citizens, authorities, and intervention entities work in a coordinated and efficient manner, while community resilience continues to grow through knowledge, participation, and solidarity.
In terms of the development of the Operational Management Inspectorate (IMO), significant progress has also been made in the field of critical infrastructure protection. A new law on the identification and protection of critical infrastructures has been adopted, and we have initiated the creation of the National Coordination Center for Critical Infrastructure Protection - a specialized body designed to ensure a unified approach and closer cooperation with our European partners.
In the area of modern technologies, we have launched a project to strengthen the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ capabilities in using drones - a new tool for prevention, monitoring, and intervention missions. We are currently working on establishing a unified operational framework aligned with European standards.
In terms of operational digitalization, we have made significant progress in expanding the Integrated Information System for Operational Management - a platform that streamlines internal processes, provides a comprehensive overview of interventions, and incorporates data-driven analysis to support decision-making.
These achievements of the IMO clearly reflect the direction we have chosen: the continuous modernization of the institution through updated legislation, advanced technology, and European expertise.
Over the past four years, the IMO has ensured the integrated management of crisis situations by activating the National Center for the Coordination of Public Order Actions in various contexts - from the energy crisis and parliamentary elections to the transit of Hasidic pilgrims. At the same time, the regulatory framework and joint intervention plans have been strengthened to ensure effective prevention and response to emerging threats.
Over this period, integrity has also yielded tangible results within the internal affairs system. The number of corruption-related reports filed by internal affairs employees has risen to more than 400 cases.
Dear journalists,
Since its transfer to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in January 2024, the 112 Service has been modernizing the emergency response system through the EU-funded Next Generation eCall project. This system enables vehicles involved in road accidents to automatically send a call to 112, including location and severity details, allowing for faster interventions and improved road safety. The system is currently 60% implemented, connecting Moldova to the modern European emergency response network.
At the same time, the 112 Service has optimized call processing, reducing the average response time to 100 seconds and significantly decreasing the proportion of non-urgent calls, thereby increasing the efficiency of emergency interventions.
Further modernization, including upgrades to the information system and integration of the NG-SOS mobile application, will provide easy access to emergency services for all citizens, including people with disabilities, with accurate localization and real-time audio, video, or chat communication. Bilateral collaboration with Romania, along with legislative adjustments, complements this European-standard framework for performance and public safety.
For citizens, all these modernizations translate into real safety: faster interventions, help just a call away, the ability to communicate even when speech or hearing is limited, and the assurance that help will arrive no matter the situation. Every minute saved can save a life, and every faster decision brings peace of mind to families and communities. The 112 Service is not just technology—it is care, protection, and support for every citizen.
Meanwhile, the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to be one of the most attractive educational institutions for young people pursuing a career in state security.
The institution has received accreditation for five bachelor’s and master’s programs, reflecting modern academic standards and full alignment with European requirements. The Academy continuously adapts its educational offerings, introducing innovative courses such as Digital Forensics and Defensive Leadership, establishing the Center for Drone Piloting, and integrating the Center of Excellence in Border Security. These initiatives expand professional training in areas essential to national security.
Similarly, the Medical Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has, over the past four years, significantly improved the quality of services for both employees and citizens by modernizing infrastructure and expanding operational capabilities.
In parallel, through collaboration with IGSU, medical personnel have joined USAR-Moldova teams (Urban Search and Rescue), providing rapid and efficient interventions in emergency situations in line with international standards. This represents a significant expansion of the role of the Medical Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, evolving from providing internal medical assistance to actively participating in intervention operations during emergencies such as earthquakes, structural collapses, or technological accidents, thereby increasing both the speed and effectiveness of the response.
Between 2022 and 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs managed 230 externally funded projects with a total value of €310 million, of which 120 projects worth €87 million were successfully completed. These initiatives have strengthened the Ministry’s capacity to respond quickly and efficiently to citizens’ needs, through enhanced mobility, modernized infrastructure, and digitalized services.
In the area of mobility, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its subdivisions have been equipped with over 500 vehicles, including cars, special-purpose vehicles, and boats, ensuring operational presence across the country and rapid response in situations requiring immediate action.
Regarding infrastructure, citizens’ access to safe and modern public services has been significantly enhanced through the modernization of more than 45 administrative facilities, including police stations, fire stations, dispatch centers, and forensic and cyber laboratories. Notable achievements include the operationalization of the Family Justice Center, the opening of the Cybercrime Investigation Laboratory, the inauguration of the multifunctional laboratory at the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy, the new headquarters of the National Investigation Inspectorate, and the Integrated Dispatch Center in Bălți. At the same time, the Passenger Information Unit was successfully established within the Border Police.
The digitalization of public services has enabled citizens to interact with authorities more quickly and efficiently.
Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Internal Affairs demonstrates its ongoing commitment to modernization, efficiency, and the delivery of high-quality services to all Moldovan citizens.
Since 2021, the Ministry has been strategically building a sustainable development framework with a European perspective. In 2025, this effort enters a new phase. In response to emerging challenges, the Internal Affairs Development Strategy 2022–2030 has been updated, and seven sectoral programs are being prepared for implementation in the coming period. These programs will address public security, crime prevention, arms control, border management, migration and asylum, emergency response, and the phased integration of foreigners.
These policies reflect the commitments under Chapter 24 Justice, Freedom, Security of the EU accession process, delivering tangible benefits to citizens: safer, digitalized services and institutions better equipped to protect the life and freedom of all.
Two key documents - the Rule of Law Roadmap and the National Accession Plan 2025–2029 - are currently in the full process of implementation.
We are focused on fulfilling the commitments made by Moldova in response to the recommendations issued at the conclusion of the EU screening process.
With the anticipated opening of accession negotiations in the near future, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will follow the interim benchmarks provided by the European Commission for Chapter 24, guiding the key steps toward full integration into the European Union.
In this context, we are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the development of the internal affairs sector - transformations that have no parallel in the institutional history of Moldova since independence. This process is redefining security, trust, and governance by aligning them with European standards.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will focus on strengthening security and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, within the broader framework of Moldova’s European integration. The strategic objectives include:
- Enhancing the safety of citizens in their communities, homes, and public spaces.
- Modernizing and digitalizing public order and security services while respecting human rights and EU standards.
- Reducing road accidents through integrated road safety policies.
- Developing effective tools for preventing and combating cybercrime.
- Identifying and dismantling high-risk criminal groups and reducing illicit drug trafficking.
- Maintaining strict control over weapons and reinforcing the security of state borders.
- Regulating migration flows and strengthening the asylum system in line with international and European standards.
- Facilitating the integration of foreigners and displaced persons while supporting the social and economic development of the country.
- Enhancing the efficiency of preventing and managing emergency and exceptional situations, including through strengthened civil protection and rapid intervention capacities.
- Ensuring high-quality services through professional development, reinforced institutional integrity, and the implementation of digital solutions across the MIA system.
These objectives work together to increase security, protect citizens, and align institutions with European standards, fostering a safer society and more efficient public services.
This has been a concise overview of the activities of the internal affairs system.
Thank you!
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