Moldova Plans to Increase Defense Spending to 1% of GDP by 2030

This issue was discussed in Parliament as part of a motion of no confidence in the leadership of the Ministry of Defense. Minister Anatolie Nosatii has stated that the process of investing in technology has already begun, according to logos-press.md. “We will continue to learn from the lessons of modern warfare. Within the limits of budgetary allocations and projects available through partnerships, we will seek opportunities to introduce these technologies into the National Army. We will continue to train conscripts, contract soldiers and reservists, familiarizing them with new technologies, if only so that they can see them,” said Nosatii. The modernization of the National Army remains a priority for the Ministry across all areas: vehicles, equipment and infrastructure. According to the authorities, it is impossible to build military capability without this. One may possess state-of-the-art equipment, but without trained specialists or the capacity to maintain it, such capability eventually becomes useless. Ion Chicu, an MP from the Alternativa bloc who tabled a simple motion of no confidence in the Ministry of Defense, stated that the initiative had been put forward not because anyone in parliament or in society fails to understand the importance of the armed forces, even given the country’s neutral status. Rather, the country needs to know how public funds are being spent. “Financial resources are needed, equipment is required, and the budget must be increased. But this does not mean that when the Minister of Defense appears before Parliament, he should behave solely as a general. The billions you receive, Minister, have been provided by the public so that you may spend them effectively and comply with the recommendations of the Court of Accounts,” Chicu clarified. Lilian Carp, Chair of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Public Order, stated that the National Army must be equipped to deal with risks “which, God forbid, may arise”. In his view, it is also necessary to increase military salaries, as they work with expensive equipment and must be able to operate it. “We must unite around the National Army, otherwise we risk uniting around those who wish to come to us,” Carp noted. The authorities emphasize that increasing defense spending does not mean preparing for war, but, on the contrary, for peace. “A well-prepared army does not mean war – it means peace, security and confidence for every family, and the ability to defend peace at home,” said MP Igor Chiriac.