Response by the Delegation of Moldova to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security

The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document FSC.EMI/24/25 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 4 April 2024 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH only  FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex

QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE CODE OF CONDUCT ON POLITICO- MILITARY ASPECTS OF SECURITY

Section I: Inter-State elements 1. Account of measures to prevent and combat terrorism 1.1 To which agreements and arrangements (universal, regional, sub regional and bilateral) related to preventing and combating terrorism is your State a party? The Government of the Republic of Moldova does not support any forms of terrorism and entirely co-operates to counter the threats of terrorist activities by participating at various international conventions and protocols on counter- terrorism as follows: - Convention on offences and certain acts committed on board aircraft, signed in Tokyo on 14.09.1963; - Convention for the suppression of unlawful acts against the safety of civil aviation, signed in Montreal on 23.09.1973; - Protocol for the suppression of unlawful acts of violence at airports Serving International Civil Aviation, signed in Montreal on 24.02.1988; - Convention for the suppression of unlawful seizure of aircraft, signed in Hague on 16.12.1970; - Convention on prevention and punishment of crimes against internationally protected persons, including diplomatic agents, signed in New York on 14.12.1973; - Convention on the physical protection of nuclear material, signed in Vienna on 28.10.1979; - The European Convention on the suppression of terrorism, signed in Strasbourg on 27.01.1977; - Convention for the suppression of the financing of terrorism, signed in New York on 09.12.1999; - Protocol Amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism, concluded at Strasbourg on 15.05.2003; - International convention on the suppression acts of nuclear terrorism, signed in New York on 13.04.2005 - International convention for the suppression of terrorist bombings, signed in New York on 12.01.1998; - International convention against the hostage- taking, signed in New York on 18.12.1979; - Convention on marking of plastic explosives for the purposes of detection, signed in Montreal on 01.03.1991; - Convention of Council of Europe on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds from crime and on the financing of terrorism, signed in Warsaw on 16.05.2005; - Council of Europe Convention on the prevention of terrorism, done at Warsaw on 16.05.2005;  - Amendment to the Council of Europe Convention on the prevention of terrorism, adopted in Warsaw on 16.05.2005; - Agreement of co-operation among governments of the participating states at the Black Sea Economic Co-operation on countering crime, with special emphasis on its organized aspects, signed in Kerkyra on 02.10.1998; - The Yalta Charter of GUUAM from 07.06.2001; - Agreement on co-operation between the Governments of the state- participants GUUAM in sphere of struggle against terrorism, the organized crime and other dangerous kinds of crimes, signed in Yalta on 20.07.2002; - Additional Protocol to the Agreement on co-operation between the Governments of the state-participants GUUAM in sphere of struggle against terrorism, the organized crime and other dangerous kinds of crimes from 20 July 2002, signed in Helsinki on 04.12.2008; - Agreement on creation of virtual centre GUAM on struggle against terrorism, the organized crime, illegal circulation of drugs and other serious crimes and the Interstate information-analytical system GUAM, signed in Yalta on 04.07.2003; - The Council of Europe Cooperation Group to Combat Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Drugs (Pompidou Group), on 12.04.2012; - Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova establishing a framework for the participation of the Republic of Moldova in European Union crisis management operations, signed in Bruxelles on 13.12.2012; - The arms trade treaty, adopted on 02.04.2013, ratified by Republic of Moldova on 28.05.2015; - Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism 22.10.2015, ratified by Republic of Moldova on 16.12.2016; - Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events, dated on 03.07.2016.

Additionally to the above-stated legal acts, the Republic of Moldova supports the counter-terrorism initiatives in the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), namely: - The Decision of the CIS's Council of the Heads of Governments regarding financing the activity of the CIS Anti-terrorism Centre, signed on 30.11.2000; - The Agreement of co-operation on countering economic crimes, signed in Moscow on 12.04.1996; - The Agreement of co-operation among CIS's member states on countering terrorism, signed in Minsk on 04.06.1999; - The Agreement of co-operation among CIS's member states on countering crime, signed in Moscow on 25.11.1998; - The Agreement of co-operation among CIS's member states on countering crimes in the informational technology field, signed in Moscow on 01.06.2001; - Protocol on the adopting of regulations about the order of the organizing and conducting joint antiterrorist actions on territories of CIS's member states, signed in Chisinau on 07.10.2002. - The Decision of the CIS's Council of Heads of States regarding the 2008-2010 Programme of cooperation of the CIS member states in combating terrorism and other violent manifestations of extremism, signed in Dushanbe on 05.10.2007;  - The Decision of the CIS's Council of Heads of States regarding the Concept of cooperation of the CIS member states in combating terrorism and other violent manifestations of extremism, signed in Kazan on 26.08.2005; - Agreement between the Governments of the CIS member states on the exchange of information in the fight against crime, done in Astana on 22.05.2009. - The Decision of the CIS's Council of Heads of States regarding the 2017-2019 Programme of cooperation of the CIS member states in combating terrorism and other violent manifestations of extremism, approved by Republic of Moldova on 05.04.2018;

The Moldovan Government has signed a number of bilateral agreements concerning co-operation in the fields of counter-terrorism, money-laundering, financing of terrorism, illicit drugs trafficking and countering organized criminal activities, with the following countries: the Republic of Hungary (1997); the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (2001); Romania (2000); the Republic of Ukraine (1999;2005); the Republic of Uzbekistan (2000); Turkey (1994, 2007); the Republic of Belarus (1993; 2002; 2006); the Republic of Bulgaria (1993; 2004); the Czech Republic (2003); the Republic of Poland (2003; 2009); the Republic of Latvia (2003; 2009); the Republic of Estonia (2005); the Republic of Georgia (2007); the Republic of Croatia (2006, 2007); the Kingdom of Belgium (2007); the Republic of Indonesia (2008); the Kingdom of the Netherlands (2008); the Republic of Albania (2006); the Republic of Slovenia (2008); the Republic of Austria (2010); the Republic of San Marino (2010); the Republic of South Africa (2010); the Republic of Serbia (2010); the State of Israel (2010); the French Republic (2010); the Principality of Monaco (2010); Montenegro (2010); the Bahamas (2010); the Republic of Armenia (2011); the Republic of Kazakhstan (2011); the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2011); the Republic of Portugal (2011); the British Virgin Islands (2011); the Republic of Mongolia (2011); the Aruba (2011); the Republic of Finland (2011); Bosnia and Herzegovina (2012); the United Mexican States (2012); the Republic of Azerbaijan (2013); the Kingdom of Spain (2013); the Republic of Turkmenistan (2015).

1.2 What national legislation has been adopted in your State to implement the above- mentioned agreements and arrangements? The following internal legislative documents stipulate the prevention and combating terrorism: - The Law on State Security, dated on 31.10.1995; - The Law on State Security Bodies, dated on 31.10.1995; - The Criminal Code, dated on 18.04.2002; - The Law for approval Concept of National Security of Republic of Moldova, dated on 22.05.2008; - The Law on Border Police, dated on 28.12.2011; - The Law on Police activity and status of police dated on 27.12.2012; - The Law for approval National Strategy on the prevention and fighting against money-laundering and financing of terrorism for the years 2013-2017 and Plan of actions for implementation National Strategy on the prevention  and fighting against money-laundering and financing of terrorism for the years 2013-2017, dated on 06.06.2013; - The Law on the prevention and combating of terrorism, dated on 21.09.2017; - The Law on the prevention and fighting against money-laundering and financing of terrorism, dated on 22.12.2017; - The Law for approval the Concept of information security, dated on 21.12.2017; - The Law on the conventional weapons and ammunition regime, special means and military devices armed by the National Army and foreign military forces legally in the Republic of Moldova, dated on 14.07.2017; - Law on the procedure for contesting violations in the field of prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing and the application of sanctions, dated on nr. 75 din 21.05.2020; - The Law on the General Inspectorate of Carabineer, dated on 08.11.2018; - The Law on Aeronautical security, dated on 20.12.2019; - The Parliament's Decision on counter-terrorism, dated on 27.09.2001; - The Parliament's Decision to approve the National Defence Strategy and the Action Plan on the implementation of the National Defence Strategy for the years 2018-2022, dated on 19.07.2018; - The Parliament's Decision on the approval of the Republic of Moldova Information Security Strategy for the years 2019-2024 and the Action Plan for its Implementation, dated on 22.11.2018; - The Parliament's Decision on the approval the National Strategy on the prevention and fighting against money-laundering and financing of terrorism for the years 2020-2025 and Plan of actions for implementation National Strategy on the prevention and fighting against money-laundering and financing of terrorism for the years 2020-2025, dated on 16.12.2020; - The Parliament's Decision on National Security Strategy of the Republic of Moldova, dated on 15.12.2023; - The Governmental Decision about EU – Moldova Action Plan, dated on 22.02.2005; - The Governmental Decision on the antiterrorist centre of the Security and Intelligence Service, dated on 13.11.2006; - The Governmental Decision on the creation of the National SELEC / GUAM Virtual Centre for the combating terrorism, organized crime, illicit trafficking drugs and other types of serious crime, dated on 27.01.2006; - The Governmental Decision about Regulation on operative group on management of counterterrorism operation, dated on 14.06.2002; - The Governmental Decision about Regulation on the procedure of social rehabilitation of the persons injured with an act of terrorism, dated on 08.07.2002; - The Governmental Decision about National Strategy to prevent and combat money-laundering and financing of terrorism in the 2010-2012, dated on 09.03.2010; - The Government Decision on information and communication Strategy in defence and national security for the years 2012-2016, dated on 03.08.2012; - The Government Decision for approval the Action Plan on risk reduction in the field of money-laundering and financing of terrorism for the years 2017- 2019, dated on 11.10.2017; - The Governmental Decision for approval the Action Plan for the years 2018- 2019 on the implementation of the National Strategy for Prevention and Combating Organized Crime for the years 2011-2019, dated on 30.01.2018; - The Governmental Decision for approval the Individual Partnership Action Plan Moldova - NATO for the years 2017-2019, dated on 13.09.2017; - The Government Decision for approval the Methodology for identifying activities and suspicious money-laundering transactions and financing of terrorism, dated on 25.05.2018; - The Governmental Decision about Regulation on the organization and conduct of anti-terrorist tests, dated on 17.10.2018; - The Governmental Decision about the National Terrorism Alert System, dated on 17.10.2018; - The Governmental Decision about Regulation on critical infrastructure protection against terrorism, dated on 11.07.2018; - The Government Decision for approval the Military Strategy and the Action Plan for its Implementation for the years 2018-2022, dated on 03.10.2018; - The Government Decision about Regulation on the implementation procedure of financial sanctions related to terrorist activity and proliferation of mass destruction weapons, dated on 28.10.2020. - The Government Decision for approval the Regulation on how to keep the electronic register of the Service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering, in the form of the Automated Information and Communication System for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering, dated on 20.01.2021; - The Government Decision about National Civil Aviation Security Programme, dated on 12.08.2021; - The Government Decision about Regulation of Operational Counter- Terrorism Command, dated on 12.08.2021; - The Government's Decision regarding the creation of the coordinating Council for ensuring informational security, dated on 06.07.2022; - The Government Decision for approval the Programme for the strengthening and implementation of anti-terrorist protection measures for critical infrastructure objectives for the years 2022-2026 and the National Plan of actions for its implementation, dated on 26.10.2022; - The Governmental Decision for approval the Individual Partnership Action Plan Moldova - NATO for the years 2022-2023, dated on 19.01.2023; - The Governmental Decision for approval the Regulation on the procedure for implementing financial sanctions related to terrorist activity and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, dated on 29.11.2023; - The Governmental Decision for approval the Regulation on the organization and functioning of the Territorial Anti-Terrorist Council, dated on 26.06.2024;  - The Parliament's Decision approving the National Defence Strategy of the Republic of Moldova for the years 2024-2034, dated on 26.12.2024.

1.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces and the police in preventing and combating terrorism in your State? According to the existing legislation, the Chair of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova shall coordinate all work on preventing and combating terrorism and the Government is the main authority responsible for organizing the activity of preventing and combating terrorism, as well as providing it with the necessary forces, means and resources. The Information and Security Service is the national body which is directly carrying out activity on fight against terrorism. The Information and Security Service and its territorial bodies carry out struggle against terrorism by means of the prevention, revealing and suppressions of crimes with terrorist character, including pursuing political purposes, and also preventions, revealing and suppressions of the international terrorist activity. The Anti-Terrorist Centre of the Information and Security Service has the status of specialized sub-unit empowered to prevent and combat terrorism. Yet another authorities responsible for the prevention and fight against terrorism are: the General Prosecutor's Office; the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Health; State Protection and State Guard Service; Customs Department; Public Services Agency; the National Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Activity; the National Administration of Penitentiaries; Service for the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering. With regard to roles and missions, the Ministry of Internal Affairs prevents and combats terrorism by: a) cutting off the attempts of the terrorists to cross the state border of the Republic of Moldova; b) undertaking the urgent measures to eliminate the effects of terrorist activities; c) conducting criminal prosecution in regard to terrorist offenses ascribed by the law to its competence; d) participation in ensuring the legal regime in the area of the anti-terrorist operation with the involvement of the troops from the General Inspectorate of Carabineer; e) participation of its special operations unit in the counterterrorism intervention upon the request of the Antiterrorist Operational Command; f) providing the necessary logistic and operational assistance and special equipment upon the request of the Antiterrorist Operational Command. The Ministry of Defence prevents and combats terrorism by: a) organizing and ensuring, according to the law, the security of the personnel and of the armament, ammunition, explosive substances and the objectives that ensure the defence capability from its management; b) participating, under the law, of the protection of the foreign military forces that are temporarily stationed on the territory of the Republic of Moldova in connection with participation in joint activities;  c) ensuring, under the law, the necessary logistical and operational assistance and the provision of fighting equipment, weapons and ammunition in the anti- terrorist operation.

1.4 Provide any additional relevant information on national efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, e.g., those pertaining inter alia to: — Measures to curb terrorist financing; — Border controls; — Travel document security; — Container and supply chain security; — Security of radioactive sources; — Use of the Internet and other information networks for terrorist purposes; — Legal co-operation including extradition; — Safe havens and shelter to terrorists and terrorist organizations.

2. Stationing of armed forces on foreign territory 2.1 Provide information on stationing of your States armed forces on the territory of other participating States in accordance with freely negotiated agreements as well as in accordance with international law. FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex The Republic of Moldova does not have any troops permanently stationed abroad. The Republic of Moldova signed and adopted the Agreement among the States parties to the North Atlantic Treaty and the other States participating in the Partnership for Peace regarding the status of their forces (SOFA), according to the Parliament decision from 16 July 1997 and the Law of the Republic of Moldova 448- XV from 13 November 2003 on the status of foreign military forces in the Republic of Moldova. Yet, in accordance with the Law on participation of the Republic of Moldova in the international missions and operations, nr.219 dated 3 December 2015, the Parliament, on the Government’s proposal, decides on deployment of Moldovan troops abroad for participation in international peace support operations. In this context, on 1st of November 2013 the Moldovan Parliament approved the deployment of a Moldovan contingent for participation in the international peacekeeping operation in Kosovo. In accordance with the Technical Arrangement between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Moldova and the Ministry of the Defence of the Italian Republic, starting with 8 March 2014 a Moldovan Army contingent is deployed on a 6 months tour of duty to Kosovo as part of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force, KFOR. To this day, the Republic of Moldova has deployed twenty-two contingents to Kosovo. The Moldovan Army contingent is carrying out security, guard and patrol missions and is composed of the following elements: infantry platoon (33 PAX), Explosive Ordnance Disposal team (7 PAX) and one Staff Officer. The infantry platoon and the EOD team are stationed within the Multinational Battle Group West (MNBG – G), Camp "VILLAGGIO ITALIA”, in Belo POLJE. All service members are trained and tested in compliance with the NATO standards prior to being deployed.  Additionally, a Parliament Decision was adopted on the participation of the Republic of Moldova National Army Contingent within the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), dated 18.11.2021. According to this decision, the 2nd contingent composed of 33 military personnel of the National Army was deployed to UNIFIL on 16 February 2024 to act Force Protection Platoon as a part of the Italian military forces. Upon completing their tour of duty with UNIFIL, the military personnel have successfully returned to Moldova in October 2024. According to the Parliament Decision dated 11.07.2024 on the participation of the National Army contingent in the European Union Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR ALTHEA), the Government Decision dated on 11.09.2024 on ensuring the organizational measures and conditions necessary for participation, the first contingent of 18 military personnel of the National Army and 1 staff officer were deployed to the European Union Military Operation (EUFOR ALTHEA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 04 October 2024.

3. Implementation of other international commitments related to the Code of Conduct 3.1 Provide information on how your State ensures that commitments in the field of arms control, disarmament and confidence and security-building as an element of indivisible security are implemented in good faith.

The Republic of Moldova as an OSCE Member State, hosted annually one evaluation visit and 3 specified area inspections according to the provisions of the Vienna Document 2011 (VD11), as well as one inspection in accordance with the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty (CFE).

Following the withdrawal of the Russian Federation from the CFE and the collective decision of NATO member states to suspend the participation in the CFE regime, the Republic of Moldova aligned to this initiative and adopted a Law on the Suspension of the CFE Treaty dated 12.04.2024.

Consequently, the Republic of Moldova suspended, starting with October 2024, the application of provisions of the CFE Treaty with the possibility to resume its implementation at a later date. In this regard, between 3 and 5 April 2024, the Republic of Moldova accepted the conduct of the last Declared Site Inspection under the CFE Treaty on its territory.

The Republic of Moldova prepares military information exchanges, along with other relevant questionnaires which are being distributed to all OSCE member states on an annual basis, according to the CPC Implementation Calendar.

3.2 Provide information on how your State pursues arms control, disarmament and confidence and security-building measures with a view to enhancing security and stability in the OSCE area. Since 2008, bilateral training inspections are conducted annually in the Republic of Moldova, in cooperation with the Bundeswehr Verification Centre. Meanwhile, starting with 2023, bilateral training activities are conducted in the Federal Republic of Germany in cooperation with the Bundeswehr Verification Centre. These arms control activities are carried out in the spirit of confidence and security-building measures, in order to strengthen the cooperation between states, to train personnel and maintain the necessary skill set and most importantly to contribute to the security and stability in the OSCE area.

Section II: Intra-State elements 1. National planning and decision-making process 1.1 What is the national planning and decision-making process in determining/approving military posture and defence expenditures in your State? According to Law on National Defence, the defence planning constitutes an essential component of defence policy, which is the process of setting objectives identifying ways and determining necessary means and the modality of their allocation (volume and structure of defence resources) with the aim to ensure national defence of state. The defence planning process is regulated by the Law on National Defence, which has outlined in more details the decision-making procedures and mechanisms to be taken by responsible authorities in drafting strategic planning and policy documents, and namely: National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and Military Strategy of the Republic of Moldova, Strategic Defence Review and Defence Planning Directive of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova approves the main directions for domestic and foreign policy, controls executive bodies within the Constitution’s limits, and approves the state budget. According to new law the Parliament approves National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy and Military Doctrine, as well as Military Discipline Regulation. It executes the parliamentary control over Armed Forces. The Parliament decides on the following important issues: - declaring belligerency state in case of military aggression and decision on peace agreement after the end of military actions; - establishing state of war and its cancellation; - the use of the Armed Forces for honouring obligations under international treaties, the Republic of Moldova is part of, which concerns to maintaining peace and security. With regard to the Government responsibilities in defence matters, the new amendments envisaged that Government develops National Defence Strategy and presents for examination to the President, who sends it to the Parliament for the approval. It approves Military Strategy and Strategic Defence Review. The MOD is the main specialized authority of the central public administration in the defence and is responsible for the National Army building, development, and combat readiness. It is also responsible for the strategic planning concerning the use of the National Army and for providing appropriate defence capabilities for the national defence. The Minister of defence exercises direct control of the National Army through the General Staff of the National Army. The MOD analyses political-military situation, participates and conducts the National Defence’s Strategy drafting process, develops Military Strategy, issues Defence Planning Directive and gives suggestions with regard to military budget as well as other defence-related documents.  There are also other ministries and departments responsible for the country defence with tasks of supporting military during the crisis.

The decision making process for determining defence expenditure is cyclical and two-phased. The first phase of the process encompasses the process of Ministry of Defence budget planning along with the other ministries, which starts with the process of drafting the Medium-Term Budgetary Framework (MTBF) for a period of three years. Annually, the Ministry of Finance elaborates and remits the preliminary spending limits by sectors (defence, education, health, etc.) to guide the process of elaboration of sectoral spending policies and strategies. They serve as support for determining the spending limits included in the MTBF, and then – to substantiate and argue the annual budgetary proposals. The elaboration of the sectoral spending strategies within the Ministry of Defence involves the following basic activities: 1) Reviewing and approving the composition of the Sectoral Working Group responsible for spending policy in the field of National Defence, elaboration of the Sectorial Spending Strategy (SSS) and the MTBF 2) Developing proposals for adjusting the baseline and new policy initiatives for the next budget cycle; 3) Consideration and consultation of proposals within the Ministry of Defence and within the sectoral working group; 4) Summary of proposals and decision-making by the Ministry of Defence; 5) Presentation of the SSS at the Ministry of Finance; 6) Adjustment and approval of the SSS by the Ministry of Defence after negotiations and consultations with the Ministry of Finance. The preparation of the annual budget proposals is the second phase of the budgetary process. The process of drafting budgets includes the following basic activities: 1) analysing and formulating the set of programmes, ensuring compliance with sectoral policy priorities and spending limits; 2) issuance of budgetary circulation adapted to the peculiarities of the sector (based on the one issued by the Ministry of Finance); 3) elaboration and presentation of budget proposals/projects at the Ministry of Defence; 4) examination and consultation of proposals within the Ministry of Defence; 5) finalization, presentation and consultation of budget proposals/projects at the Ministry of Finance, Government and Parliament; 6) the allocation of the budget approved by the annual budgetary law, usually in December of the current year for the following budgetary year. After the budget allocation procedures are completed, the budget implementation process starts.

1.2 How does your State ensure that its military capabilities take into account the legitimate security concerns of other States as well as the need to contribute to international security and stability?  In its international activities on this issue, the Republic of Moldova is governed by international law in force and other instruments of political-military orientation. Actively using on its territory mechanisms such as the Vienna Document 2011 on confidence and security building measures, the Republic of Moldova demonstrates openness and transparency in military activities. As a member of UN, OSCE and other organizations responsible for international security and stability, the Republic of Moldova contributes to these efforts according to internationally recognized norms and procedures. Taking part in national and international peacekeeping operations and missions is one of the National Army’s core objectives. This shows our state’s attempt to be pro-active in consolidating peace, stability and security both in the country and abroad as a basic means of strengthening peaceful reconciliation in accordance with legitimate security concerns of other States. Since 1997, the Republic of Moldova has actively contributed to OSCE-led international missions to Chechen Republic, Kosovo, Macedonia, Georgia; NATO- led operations to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as post-conflict relief missions to Iraq. Starting with 2003, the National Army began contributing to UN-led peacekeeping operations with military personnel. Since then, 237 Moldovan service members have been engaged in the following UN-led missions and operations: UNOMIG in Georgia, UNOCI in Côte d'Ivoire, UNMIL in Liberia, UNMIS in Sudan, UNMISS in the Republic of South Sudan, UNMIK in Kosovo, MINUSCA in the Central African Republic and UNIFIL in Lebanon. Currently, 10 service members serve in UN-led peacekeeping missions and one officer serves in the UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations, New York, USA. The Republic of Moldova has contributed to European Union led multinational training missions in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA) and Mali (EUTM Mali), in 2015-2016, and 2018 – 2023, respectively. Starting with July 2024, the Republic of Moldova has extended its contribution to international peacekeeping efforts by deploying 2 staff officers to EUTM Somalia and its very first military contingent to EU Military Operation in Bosnia & Herzegovina EUFOR ALTHEA in October 2024.

2. Existing structures and processes 2.1 What are the constitutionally established procedures for ensuring democratic political control of military, paramilitary and internal security forces, intelligence services and the police?

Armed Forces The democratic control over the Armed Forces (National Army and General Inspectorate of Carabineer) is based on the authority of the political factor over the military one within the civil-military relations. Subordination of the military structures to the democratically-elected civil authorities is an essential element that provides the overall activity of the Armed Forces in accordance with the Republic of Moldova's Constitution and other current legislation.  The Parliament's control/oversight over the Armed Forces is executed through a mechanism that provides the following: - approves the national security strategy, national defence strategy and military doctrine of the state; - approves the structure and the number of the Armed Forces; - approves the volume of budgetary allocations for defence needs; - approves the regulation on military discipline; - declares a state of siege or war; - declares mobilization and demobilization. The control/oversight over the Armed Forces is exercised by the Parliament through the following means: - receiving defence related reports, analyses, and programs; - oversight via appropriate parliamentary committees; the main control is executed by the Parliamentary Committee for National Security, Defence and Public Order; - inquiries and hearings. The important defence-related issues are examined during parliamentary sessions. The President of the Republic of Moldova as the Head of State and Commander- in-Chief (CINC) of the Armed Forces exercises the highest-level civil control over the military system. The President controls the Armed Forces by: - promulgating defence-related laws, using his right to request the Parliament to re-examine certain laws, and Constitutional Court to confirm the laws constitutionality; -initiating elaboration of the National Security Strategy and National Defence Strategy; - appointing the Minister of Defence, on proposals by the Government; - approving the Regulation of the General Staff; - approving the programs and plans for the construction and development of the Armed Forces; - approving the mobilization plan of the Armed Forces; - approving the plan on the use of the Armed Forces; - approving the military regulations; - approving the composition of the Military Council of the Ministry of Defence; - presenting to the Parliament for the approval drafts of the National Security Strategy, National Defence Strategy, general structure and composure of the components of the Armed Forces, military discipline regulations; - coordinating the international military cooperation; - carrying out general management on accumulation of resources for the needs of the national defence system; - issuing decrees on the enrolling of citizens in military service; - submitting to Parliament proposals for effective participation, weapons and military equipment to international peacekeeping operations or humanitarian purposes.  The President is the Chairman of the Supreme Security Council. The Supreme Security Council, an advisory body, makes proposals on the development of the Armed Forces and on defence policy issues.

The Republic of Moldova Government exercises control, as an executive body, over the Armed Forces. To exercise the civil control over the Armed Forces, the Government: - forward laws’ drafts to the Parliament; - sign agreements on military co-operation with other states; - provide framework for maintaining defence capabilities of the country.

To exercise civil control over the Armed Forces, the Prime-minister: - propose to the President a nominee for the Minister of Defence; - confirm with his signature the President's decrees on defence. - approves the authorized number of posts of the General Inspectorate of Carabineer;

Internal Security Forces The General Inspectorate of Carabineer is a specialized authority of the state, with military status, subordinated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which has the mission to defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of the person by performing the duties of maintaining, ensuring and restoring public order, preventing and discovering crimes and contraventions, protecting the objectives of special importance, preventing and combating terrorism ensuring the regime of emergency, siege or war. The General Inspectorate of Carabineer exercises, during peacetime, police duties, and during siege or war, the specific duties of the Armed Forces under the conditions provided by this law and the normative acts in force. The General Inspectorate of Carabineer is part of the national system of public order and security and the national defense system. The control over the activity of the General Inspectorate of Carabineer is exercised by the Parliament, the President of the Republic of Moldova, the Government, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other public authorities, within the limits of the powers vested in them by law.

Police The Police is a specialized public institution of the state, subordinated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which has the mission to defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of the person through activities of maintaining, ensuring and restoring public order and security, prevention, investigation and discovery of crimes and contraventions. The General Inspectorate of Police is the administrative authority subordinated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which ensures, under the law, the implementation of state policies in the field of maintaining, ensuring and restoring public order and security, the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of the person and the community, the prevention, investigation and discovery of crimes and contraventions, the performance of justice, assistance to the population and local public administration authorities. The General Inspectorate of Police ensures the performance of functions in the following fields of activity: 1) The maintenance, assurance and restoration of public order and security, the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of the person and the community; 2) prevention of offenses and offenses; 3) investigation of offences and offences, as well as prosecution; 4) ensuring the performance of justice; 5) assistance to the population and local public administration authorities; 6) The organization of the Police activity. The General Inspectorate of Police has in its subordination: 1) Specialised subdivisions; 2) Territorial subdivisions. The control over the activity of the Police is exercised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the prosecutor's office, other public administration authorities, as well as by national and international organizations that ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, under and within the limits provided by the legislation and international treaties to which the Republic of Moldova is a party. The control over the use of budgetary means allocated for police maintenance shall be carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other authorities empowered with such attributions. Also, the persons have the right to challenge the actions of the Police, according to the procedures established by the legislation, at the General Inspectorate of the Police, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at another body empowered to control the activity of the Police and in the court.

Intelligence Services According to the current legislation (Law on State Security Bodies, nr. 619 from 31.10.1995), the state security system consists of Security and Intelligence Service, the State Protection and Guard Service, Border Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Customs Service of the Ministry of Finance. The Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova is an autonomous administrative authority, which has the competence to ensure the security of the Republic of Moldova. The purpose of the activity of the Service is to ensure the internal and external security of the state, to defend the constitutional order, to contribute to the defense of the national economic system and to ensure the defense capacity of the state, to combat terrorism and other threats to the security of the state, with the use of preventive and special means of non-military nature. The Service plans, organizes and carries out activities for the collection, verification, evaluation, storage, preservation and use of information necessary to defend the constitutional order, guarantee and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, as well as to identify, prevent and counteract vulnerabilities, risk factors and threats that put or could endanger the security of the Republic of Moldova.  The activity of the Service is coordinated by the President of the Republic of Moldova, according to the Law on state security no. 618/1995, and is subject to parliamentary control.

State Protection and Guard Service Yet another, special structure of the executive administration is the State Protection and Guard Service. It is a state body with special responsibilities in the field of state security, specialized in ensuring the protection of dignitaries of the Republic of Moldova, foreign dignitaries during their stay in the Republic of Moldova, their family members, within the limits of their legal competences, as well as in ensuring the security of their working premises and residences. The service is subordinated to the President of the Republic of Moldova.

Border police The Border Police is an administrative authority, subordinated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which exercises the attributions and implements the state policy in the field of integrated state border management, combating illegal migration and cross-border crime. The Border Police has the following structure: a) General Inspectorate of Border Police; b) Regional Border Police subdivisions; The Ministry of Internal Affairs exercises control and coordinates the activity of the Border Police, elaborates and promotes the policy of the State in the activity of the Border Police, in the field of combating illegal migration, exercises other duties provided by the legislation.

Customs Service The Customs Service is a law enforcement body of executive authority. It is an administrative authority subordinated to the Ministry of Finance, which exercises the functions and duties incumbent upon it and implements the customs policy of the state by uniform and impartial application of the customs legislation in order to ensure the economic security of the state. The Customs Service has administrative and decisional autonomy. The activity of the Customs Service is a special type of activity in the public service which consists in the exercise of the functions and duties of the Customs Service, which is part of the system of law enforcement bodies and state security bodies. The Ministry of Finance develops and promotes the customs policy of the state, establishes the objectives and performance indicators of the Customs Service, approves the budget of the Customs Service, requests and examines information and reports on the activity of the Customs Service, exercises other duties provided by law.

The Parliament exercises control and oversight over state intelligence structures through parliamentary audiences and investigations. It also examines the accounts of state security bodies during opened or closed parliamentary sessions as well as at the Parliament's National Security, Defence and Public Order Committee hearings or at the Board Sessions of the Security and Intelligence Service.  The permanent control and oversight over state security bodies activity is done by the Parliament through the Parliamentary Committee for National Security, Defence and Public Order. State security bodies are required to respond, according to the legislation provisions, inquiring and other legal demands made by Special, Investigation, and Permanent Committees of the Parliament as well as by parliamentarians. The judiciary control over the state security bodies is exercised during the court trials on criminal cases. This control is also exercised during trials referred to crimes and abuses committed by state security members, as well as illegal actions made by citizens against state security members and officeholders. Office of the Prosecutor General and public prosecutors monitor and oversight laws of the state security structures; the financial control of their activities is executed by the Court of Audit.

2.2 How is the fulfilment of these procedures ensured, and which constitutionally established authorities/institutions are responsible for exercising these procedures? The fulfilment of the required ensured procedures are thoughtfully enumerated and explained in the detailed answer provided above. (point 2.1) 2.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces, and how does your State control that such forces act solely within the constitutional framework? The military service is satisfied within the military forces, meant for the national defence, guarding the border and maintaining public order, under the main law. The National Army is the basic component of the Armed Forces, which ensures, in peace and war, the integration into a unitary conception of the activities of all the forces participating in the defence actions of the country. Main mission is to ensure national defence by preventing, counteracting and annihilating military threats and aggressions against the country. The use of the National Army in solving the problems that are not directly related to the defence of the state is carried out exclusively under the Parliament's decision and, in extreme situations, by the decree of the President of the Republic of Moldova. The state's security bodies are special structures of the executive authorities designed to ensure, within their responsibilities, the security of the Republic of Moldova. They have the follow-on responsibilities: - to defend of Republic of Moldova's independence and territorial integrity, to ensure protection of the state borders, enforce the constitutional order, ensure human rights and liberties; - to provide information and intelligence needed for government’s activity; - to conduct counter-intelligence against illegal activities of special services or organizations of other states; - to provide the Parliament, the President and the Government with the information required for solving state security issues; - to combat terrorism, organized crime, and corruption, which undermine the country's security; - to provide security for national and foreign high officials;  - to ensure, along with the Border Police, security of the Republic of Moldova's borders.

3. Procedures related to different forces personnel 3.1 What kind of procedures for recruitment and call-up of personnel for service in your military, paramilitary and internal security forces does your State have? According to the Constitution, the military service is considered a basic right and duty of citizens of nation. Thus, the Law on citizens' readiness for the country defence stipulates that only men over 18 years who are citizens of the Republic of Moldova are recruited in the military service. The duration of the conscript service is 12 months. The maximum age for conscription recruitment is 27 years old. Public administration authorities along with military recruiting centres recruit citizens according to Presidential Decrees and Governmental Decisions. The recruitment committees select and further assign recruit to the Armed Forces. The basic requirements for future police officers are laid down by Law No 288 issued on 16.12.2016 on the civil servant with special status of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, according to its provisions, a persona can be recruited if is meets following requirements: is a citizen of the Republic of Moldova, knows the state language, has reached the minimum age of 18, has no criminal record, is medically fit, has the studies corresponding to the position for which applies and, has not been fired from any public office with special status for violation of discipline in the last five years. According to the Law on the General Inspectorate of Carabineer nr.219 issued on 08.11.2018 under the orders of the Minister of Internal Affairs, military on the contract basis could be assigned as soldiers and sergeants. The recruiting committees are authorized to postpone conscription due to family and health problems, studying extension necessity, and executing deputy mandate in local public administration authorities as well as during criminal investigation process.

3.2 What kind of exemptions or alternatives to military service does your State have? According to the Law on citizens' readiness for the country defence provisions, citizens can be exempted from obligatory conscription on the follow-on bases, in case if: - recognized as unfit for military service during the peacetime; - accomplished the military mandatory training; - released from execution of military duties on private consciousness bases (for example: religion believes); - person has lost his father (mother), brother (sister) who died during military service. Recruit may not use this right; - convicted or not rehabilitated according to the legislation. The Republic of Moldova has enacted the legislation that provided the possibility for recruits who refuse to bear arms due to pacifistic and/or religious reasons to be exempted from military service. Such citizens can be offered civilian service, so- called alternative service, in public sector.  The Law on citizen service (alternative), dated on 06.07.2007, determines the terms and provisions of such service. The duration of the civil service is 12 months. For people with higher education, the duration of this service is 6 months.

3.3 What are the legal and administrative procedures to protect the rights of all forces personnel as well as conscripts? FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex The military personnel benefit from all constitutional rights and liberties; they can also obtain additional rights due to their special status. According to the Delinquency Code, for committing offences outside of service duties, military personnel, except conscripts, respond under the general provisions. But, conscripts respond under Military Discipline Regulation. According to the Military Discipline Regulation, each military has the right to comply against illegal actions of the commander and against violations of his rights and liberties. The appeal is submitted to the chief of the person whose actions are complained upon; the commander is obliged to examine it during the period of three days in order to make a decision. If the complainer is not satisfied with the decision, he has the right to go on trial according to the general procedures. Recently, the Military Discipline Regulation dated 02.03.2007 was amended, to exclude the arrest as a disciplinary sanction applied to conscripts, due to contradiction with the principle of right to a fair trial, right to defend oneself and European standards on fundamental human rights.

4. Implementation of other political norms, principles, decisions and international humanitarian law 4.1 How does your State ensure that International Humanitarian Law and Law of War are made widely available, e.g., through military training programmes and regulations? In order to implement provisions of the Geneva Convention from 1949 and its additional protocols from 1977, the National Advisory and Co-ordination Committee for the implementation of the humanitarian law was established within the Government of the Republic of Moldova. The main duty of this committee is to assure the international law compliance, especially its reflection and implementation in the Moldovan legislation. The Ministry of Defence also has a representative at this Committee. The National Army continues co-operating with the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross resulting in an annual co-operation plan. According to this, seminars and conferences are organized with officers, conscripts and students of the Military Academy of the Armed Forces. Additionally, students from the Military Academy participate in international competitions on international humanitarian law. The annual curriculum of the Military Academy consists of 30 academic hours for the international humanitarian law. The international humanitarian law norms are permanently distributed within the Armed Forces with support of the Regional Delegation International Committee of the Red Cross.  Since 2006, National Army of the Republic of Moldova complies with the norms outlined in the Minister of Defence Order on Regulation on implementation of the law of armed conflicts norms in the National Army of the Republic of Moldova. This Regulation outlines the order of application of the law of armed conflicts norms in National Army of the Republic of Moldova, establishes duties of officials on the organization of studying, distribution, practical working off and implementation of the law of armed conflicts norms.

4.2 What has been done to ensure that armed forces personnel are aware of being individually accountable under national and international law for their actions? According to the Internal Service Regulation of the Moldovan Armed Forces, the military personnel are obligated to be familiar with and to respect firmly the international norms concerning the Code of Conduct during military actions. The training and practical exercises on international humanitarian law are conducted for military personnel on the regular bases. At the same time, the military personnel receive knowledge of national and international legislation during their basic military training.

4.3 How does your State ensure that armed forces are not used to limit the peaceful and lawful exercise of human and civil rights by persons as individuals or as representatives of groups nor to deprive them of national, religious, cultural, linguistic or ethnic identity? According to the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova and the Law on national defence, armed forces are subordinate solely to the will of the people to safeguard the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the country and constitutional democracy. The National Army implication in problems solving not directly related to defence shall be made only upon the decision of Parliament, and in extreme cases, by decree of the President.

4.4 What has been done to provide for the individual service member’s exercise of his or her civil rights and how does your State ensure that the country’s armed forces are politically neutral? Military personnel benefit from all constitutional rights and guarantees, as the citizens of Moldova, and also have the right to vote and to be elected, except to be part of parties and other socio-political organizations or to conduct political activities in their favour. Therefore it will guarantee political neutrality in the national armed forces. 4.5 How does your State ensure that its defence policy and doctrine are consistent with international law? The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova recognizes the supremacy of the international laws over the national legislation.

Section III: Public access and contact information 1. Public access 1.1 How is the public informed about the provisions of the Code of Conduct?  Informing the public on issues that displayed in this Code is carried out by placing information on the official websites of the public authorities mentioned in this Code.

1.2 What additional information related to the Code of Conduct, e.g., replies to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct, is made publicly available in your State?

1.3 How does your State ensure public access to information related to your State’s armed forces? The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova grants the citizens' rights for access to any information of public interest; public authorities must provide citizens with the correct information. The exercise of this right can be a subject to some restrictions, without prejudicing international law principles, if it is in the national security interest. The Law on access to information of public interest, dated on 09.06.2023, provides the public access mechanism to official information held by public authorities. Thus, the Ministry of Defence constitutes a legal information provider, according to this Law. Additionally, there are various ways to inform public about the Armed Forces activities: - discussing the Armed Forces-related issues in the Parliament, as well as visits and inspection of the Parliament Commission on national security, defence and public order in the MOD and /or in the military units; - the Ministry of Defence press-releases; - participation at the press conferences with the Minister of Defence, Chief of the Main Staff and other officeholders within the Ministry of Defence; - organizing the "Open Door Day" in the military units, in the Ministry of defence institutions, at the Military Academy of the Armed Forces “Alexandru cel Bun”, etc.; - broadcasting weekly TV and radio programs on a national channel dedicated to the National Army activity, the role and missions performed by the military during military service within the country and abroad. At the same time, it addresses growing generations and young people to educate and instil the spirit of devotion to the nation, its ideals, symbols traditions and history. - broadcasting weekly - publishing monthly journal “Oastea Moldovei”; - the National Army newscast on social networks (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Flickr); - conducting media campaigns and media projects (with the participation of media outlets) on different defence issues; - meetings with civil society representatives from defence and security driven non-governmental organizations, - mass-media coverage of defence-related issues. 2. Contact information 2.1 Provide information on the national point of contact for the implementation of the Code of Conduct.  FSC.DEC/2/09 1 April 2009 Annex

QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE CODE OF CONDUCT ON POLITICO- MILITARY ASPECTS OF SECURITY*

Section I: Inter-State elements

1. Account of measures to prevent and combat terrorism 1.1 To which agreements and arrangements (universal, regional, subregional and bilateral) related to preventing and combating terrorism is your State a party? The Agreement on Cooperation between the Governments of the GUAM Member States in the Field of Combating Terrorism, Organized Crime, and Other Types of Serious Crimes of 20.07.2002. 1.2 What national legislation has been adopted in your State to implement the above- mentioned agreements and arrangements? Law No. 200/2010 on the Regime of Foreigners in the Republic of Moldova. Law No. 270/2008 on Asylum in the Republic of Moldova. Law No. 120/2017 on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism; The Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova No. 985/2002; Law No. 308/2017 on the Prevention and Combating of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing; Law No. 28/2024 on the State Border of the Republic of Moldova; Parliament Decision No. 391/2023 on the Approval of the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Moldova; Government Decision No. 26/2022, approving the Individual Action Plan of the IPAP Partnership between the Republic of Moldova and NATO.

1.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces and the police in preventing and combating terrorism in your State?

In the Republic of Moldova, the prevention and combating of terrorism involves close cooperation between the military, paramilitary forces, security forces, and the police. Each of these entities has specific roles and missions:

Military Forces The military within the National Army is responsible for ensuring territorial defense and national security. In the context of combating terrorism, they may be involved in: - Rapid response operations: Responding to terrorist attacks and neutralizing threats. - Protection of critical infrastructure: Ensuring the security of strategic objectives, such as power plants, dams, and airports. - International cooperation: Participating in exercises and international missions to enhance counter-terrorism response capabilities.

Paramilitary Forces Paramilitary forces, such as the carabiniery, support the armed forces and police in maintaining public order and national security. In preventing and combating terrorism, they may be involved in: - Patrolling and surveillance: Monitoring sensitive areas and preventing terrorist activities. - Crowd control: Managing crisis situations and maintaining order during public events. - Logistical support: Providing logistical support for anti-terrorism operations.  Security Forces The Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) is responsible for collecting and analyzing information to prevent and combat terrorism. Their missions include: - Surveillance and interception: Monitoring communications and suspicious activities to identify and prevent terrorist attacks. - International cooperation: Collaborating with security agencies from other countries to share information and coordinate counter-terrorism efforts. - Protection of individuals: Ensuring the security of high-ranking officials and other vulnerable individuals.

Police

The Police, under the coordination of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is responsible for maintaining public order and protecting citizens. In the context of combating terrorism, the police have the following missions: - Prevention and Investigation: The Directorate for Investigating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing of the National Investigation Inspectorate is a specialized subdivision of the National Investigation Inspectorate, which coordinates the activities of subordinate investigative subdivisions within the General Police Inspectorate with general territorial competence. This Directorate carries out and coordinates activities to combat money laundering and terrorism financing at the national level to ensure the coordination and execution of investigative and analytical activities in the following areas: 1. Preventing and combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 2. The illegal circulation of chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, explosive materials, and their precursors (CBRNE) used for terrorist purposes.

According to Article 7, point (3) of Law No. 28/2024 on the State Border of the Republic of Moldova, border police officers are authorized to independently carry out inspections of goods and items crossing the state border to detect any elements that could be associated with terrorist activities, such as weapons, explosives, or suspicious individuals. An exception applies to border crossing points where inspections are conducted jointly with the Customs Service, in accordance with the competencies established by normative acts. By having the right to conduct independent inspections, the Border Police can identify potential terrorists attempting to illegally cross the border or enter a state with the intention of committing terrorist acts. This is achieved through the analysis of travel documents, comparison with international databases, and the use of surveillance technologies. The Border Police play a crucial role in responding swiftly to cross-border crimes, including terrorism, and in identifying networks that facilitate the recruitment, transportation, or support of terrorist groups.

1.4 Provide any additional relevant information on national efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, e.g., those pertaining inter alia to: — Financing of terrorism;

The Police has implemented several measures to prevent and combat the financing of terrorism. Key developments include:

Investigations and Operations: Throughout 2024, the Directorate for Investigating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing investigated and dismantled 7 groups, including 2 transnational, specializing in money laundering. A total of 17 criminal cases were initiated, with 10 cases based on money laundering laws.

International Cooperation: The Directorate for Investigating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing of the National Investigation Inspectorate has established collaborative relationships with international law enforcement agencies. Currently, they are involved in a joint international investigation team (JIT) with the Supreme Prosecutor's Office of the Czech Republic, signed on July 7, 2023, under EUROJUST. This JIT addresses a case involving the fraudulent use of identities and the establishment of accounts used for illicit transfers linked to scams across Europe. Furthermore, under the auspices of EUROPOL and EUROJUST, negotiations are conducted with law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Latvia, Israel, the Czech Republic, Germany, and Denmark, to conclude 2 agreements for the establishment of joint investigation teams (JIT) for 2 money laundering cases.

Meetings and Events: The police employess participated at 6 events, as following: • The 7th multidisciplinary EMPACT meeting on financial investigations and asset recovery in The Hague, organized by EUROPOL, on 15-18 January, 2024; • The working session discussing the EU Security Hub's activities focused on internal security and border management, on 19 January, 2024; • The preparatory meeting for an international conference on the impact of the Ukraine war on the Balkan route regarding terrorist threats, on 22 March, 2024; • The annual AMON network meeting against money laundering in The Hague, organized by EUROPOL, on 11-13 June, 2024; • The operational action OA 9.1 focused on combating money laundering through administrative methods, held in Wiesbaden, Germany, as part of the EMPACT operational action plan, on 15-18 July, 2024; • Meeting assessing terrorism financing risks in the non-profit sector, organized by the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT in Chișinău, on 10-11 September, 2024.

Training Courses: In 2024 |the police employees participated in several training sessions organized by INTERPOL and EU agencies aimed at enhancing skills related to countering terrorism and money laundering, as following: • Training course on "Developing Predictive Profiles and Risk Analysis for Countering Terrorist Travel," organized by INTERPOL, on 21-22 February, 2024; • Training course on "Preventing and Combating Money Laundering" organized by the Schengen Multifunctional Training Center in Buzău, Romania, under the Cooperation Plan between the Ministries of Internal Affairs of Romania and Moldova, on 13-18 October, 2024; • The Counter-Terrorism and Security Studies Program (PTSS 25-1) organized by the U.S. Embassy's Defense Cooperation Office in Chișinău and the European Center for Security Studies "G.C. Marshall" in Germany, on 2-20 December, 2024; • Workshop on "Practical Approaches to Combatting Illicit Financial Flows," organized by the EU Partnership Mission in Moldova (EUPM Moldova) with support from the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR) in Chișinău, on 10-13 September, 2024; • Two roundtable discussions on "Strengthening Civil Forfeiture in Moldova," organized by the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău as part of a project to enhance the regime for combating money laundering and asset recovery in Moldova, in March 2024.

Collaborative Efforts:  The Directorate for Investigating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing established a productive collaboration with the Anti-Money Laundering Service, following the cooperation agreement signed between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the AML Service on April 30, 2020. In this manner, 180 messages were received, of which 151 were disseminations and 29 were responses to the Directorate's requests. A total of 48 requests were sent to the Anti-Money Laundering Service, including 26 based on requests from specialized subdivisions of the National Investigation Inspectorate and other law enforcement agencies. Additionally, they processed 211 messages related to suspected individuals involved in terrorist activities and money laundering and 98 individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities and money laundering were checked.

— Border controls; — Travel document security; — Container and supply chain security; — Security of radioactive sources; — Use of the Internet and other information networks for terrorist purposes; In 2024 law enforcement authorities recorded a total of 91 false communications regarding acts of terrorism, targeting over 115 administrative and civilian objectives. This figure represents a significant decrease compared to the previous year, when 126 cases were reported, involving a total of 315 targets.

Analyzing the methods used to convey these threats, it was observed that 50 of them were made through telephone calls, while 41 messages were sent via email. Following these false communications, authorities opened 35 criminal cases for False Communication About an Act of Terrorism. Out of these cases, 5 individuals were identified as being potentially involved in such activities. Overall, 2024 was marked by a downward trend in the number of bomb threats, suggesting an improvement in the management and prevention of these alarming situations.

— Legal co-operation including extradition; Extradition and legal cooperation in Moldova operate under a solid legal framework, including the Law on International Legal Assistance, the European Convention on Extradition, and Hague conventions. The International Police Cooperation Directorate coordinates the information exchange and extradition procedures, ensuring compliance with legal framework and timely responses to international requests. Close collaboration with INTERPOL and other partners facilitates the swift processing of cases while upholding due process and human rights. This structured approach strengthens international trust and enhances cross-border law enforcement efficiency. While the International Police Cooperation Directorate is responsible for most extraditions, the National Investigation Inspectorate handles extradition requests from most CIS countries. The General Inspectorate for Migration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs examines asylum applications under an expedited procedure. In this context, a new provision was introduced for the expedited examination of cases deemed to pose a threat to state security, extending the maximum period of pre-extradition detention from 180 days to 365 days. Additionally, we note that the General Inspectorate for Migration cooperates with various state structures to prevent and combat terrorism within the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The Border Police, in collaboration with the authorities of other states, is responsible for conducting border control and authorizing the crossing of the state border of the Republic of Moldova by individuals and means of transport. If a person who is internationally wanted for terrorist activities (based on an international arrest warrant or an alert issued by Interpol) attempts to cross the border of the Republic of Moldova, Border Police officers detain that person for extradition.  — Safe havens and shelter to terrorists and terrorist organizations.

2. Stationing of armed forces on foreign territory 2.1 Provide information on stationing of your States armed forces on the territory of other participating States in accordance with freely negotiated agreements as well as in accordance with international law.

3. Implementation of other international commitments related to the Code of Conduct 3.1 Provide information on how your State ensures that commitments in the field of arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building as an element of indivisible security are implemented in good faith. 3.2 Provide information on how your State pursues arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building measures with a view to enhancing security and stability in the OSCE area.

The Republic of Moldova actively fulfills its international commitments on arms control and disarmament, aiming to create a stable and secure environment. These commitments are implemented through domestic legislation and active participation in international agreements and treaties. A crucial aspect of this context is the destruction of seized and confiscated weapons, actions that help prevent the proliferation of arms and reduce the risks of armed conflicts. Moldova is also a party to significant international treaties in the area of arms control and disarmament, which establish clear principles for preventing the proliferation of arms and mitigating conflict risks. Among these is the Arms Trade Treaty, which regulates the trade of small arms and ammunition to prevent their proliferation in unstable regions. Additionally, Moldova has ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention, committing to prohibit the development, production, and use of chemical weapons. The country has joined the Protocol on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), which governs the control and reduction of small arms and light weapons and prevents their illicit trafficking. At the national level, civilian arms control is governed by comprehensive legislation that sets strict norms for the acquisition, storage, and use of weapons and ammunition. The procedures for obtaining permits for holders, including the trade and distribution of weapons, enforce clear protocols for the destruction and melting of arms, significantly reducing proliferation risks. These internal regulations are foreseen by Law No. 130/2012 on the regime of weapons and ammunition for civilian use. Regarding weapon destruction, this essential method contributes to preventing the arming of illegal or terrorist groups. Programs for the destruction of arms and ammunition, including small and light weapons, are implemented in collaboration with international organizations such as UNDP. In this manner, between March 20 and March 24, 2025, there was organized and carried out the 9th exercise for firearms disposal by melting, with financial support and oversight from the South-East European Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Centre (SEESAC). During this event, a total of 2,177 unusable firearms from police stocks, which had been withdrawn from civilian circulation, were destroyed through melting. Additionally, during 2024 1112 firearms were marked within the Forensic Centre of the General Police Inspectorate. In this regard, Moldova contributes to regional stability by participating in various regional security mechanisms, such as the OSCE and the Council of Europe, promoting transparency, dialogue, and cooperation in security matters. The country also supports initiatives that reduce conflict risks and build trust among states in the region, including the exchange of information about arms and the reduction of small arms numbers. Another important pillar of the commitments in arms control is education and the promotion of a culture of non-violence and arms control. This is achieved through educational activities and awareness programs to inform citizens about the risks associated with weapons and the procedures for the voluntary surrender of weapons, ammunition, and other hazardous materials held illegally.

Section II: Intra-State elements

1. National planning and decision-making process 1.1 What is the national planning and decision-making process in determining/approving military posture and defence expenditures in your State? 1.2 How does your State ensure that its military capabilities take into account the legitimate security concerns of other States as well as the need to contribute to international security and stability?

2. Existing structures and processes 2.1 What are the constitutionally established procedures for ensuring democratic political control of military, paramilitary and internal security forces, intelligence services and the police? According to the provisions of Law No. 320/2012 on Police Activity and the Status of Police Officers, the control over the activity of the Police is exercised by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the prosecution service, other public administration authorities, as well as national and international organizations that ensure the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, in accordance with and within the limits established by the legislation and international treaties to which the Republic of Moldova is a party. 2.2 How is the fulfilment of these procedures ensured, and which constitutionally established authorities/institutions are responsible for exercising these procedures? 2.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces, and how does your State control that such forces act solely within the constitutional framework?

3. Procedures related to different forces personnel 3.1 What kind of procedures for recruitment and call-up of personnel for service in your military, paramilitary and internal security forces does your State have? The Law No.288/2016 establishes the legal framework for the service relationship of public servants with special status within the central apparatus of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as in the administrative authorities and institutions under its jurisdiction that have positions designated for this category of personnel. It outlines the rights, obligations, restrictions, prohibitions, and incompatibilities specific to these public servants, along with regulations regarding work discipline and their legal and social protection. It also establishes regulations for the career development of public servants with special status within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This law sets unified rules for filling public positions through hiring, promotion, transfer, or competition, while also ensuring transparency by publishing hiring announcements. The Government Decision No. 460/2017 outlines the procedures for recruiting police employees, emphasizing a structured approach to filling public positions with special status. The primary methods for recruitment include hiring graduates from educational institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, promoting or transferring current staff, and conducting competitions, which serve as the main recruitment method. In exceptional cases, temporary positions may be filled through secondments or interim appointments. Internal recruitment is prioritized, with vacant positions primarily filled from within the organization, ensuring that selected candidates meet medical fitness requirements. To maintain transparency, announcements for vacant positions are published on the Ministry of Internal Affairs' website, covering both internal and external recruitment opportunities. Additionally, the GPI Order No.451/2017 introduces standard operating procedures within the Human Resources Service of the police. This order aims to create a unified framework for personnel procedures, including transfers, promotions, and recruitment. The recruitment process is designed to attract a larger pool of qualified candidates and is organized into sections for internal and external recruitment, as well as for the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy. Responsibilities for preparing recruitment-related documents and other personnel procedures are clearly defined to streamline the process.

3.2 What kind of exemptions or alternatives to military service does your State have? 3.3 What are the legal and administrative procedures to protect the rights of all forces personnel as well as conscripts?

4. Implementation of other political norms, principles, decisions and international humanitarian law 4.1 How does your State ensure that International Humanitarian Law and Law of War are made widely available, e.g., through military training programmes and regulations? The Republic of Moldova ensures access for all individuals to international and national regulatory acts, including: • The National Program for the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security for the years 2023-2027. • Government Decision No. 391/2023 on the approval of the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Moldova. • Government Decision No. 26/2022 on the approval of the Individual Action Plan of the IPAP Partnership between the Republic of Moldova and NATO, which was extended for the year 2024 through Government Decision No. 993/2023.

4.2 What has been done to ensure that armed forces personnel are aware of being individually accountable under national and international law for their actions? 4.3 How does your State ensure that armed forces are not used to limit the peaceful and lawful exercise of human and civil rights by persons as individuals or as representatives of groups nor to deprive them of national, religious, cultural, linguistic or ethnic identity? 4.4 What has been done to provide for the individual service member’s exercise of his or her civil rights and how does your State ensure that the country’s armed forces are politically neutral? 4.5 How does your State ensure that its defence policy and doctrine are consistent with international law?

Section III: Public access and contact information

1. Public access 1.1 How is the public informed about the provisions of the Code of Conduct? 1.2 What additional information related to the Code of Conduct, e.g., replies to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct, is made publicly available in your State? 1.3 How does your State ensure public access to information related to your State’s armed forces?

2. Contact information 2.1 Provide information on the national point of contact for the implementation of the Code of Conduct.