The Netherlands is investing 8 million euros in the defense of Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia to make them more resilient against Russia. Moscow is trying to increase its grip on these vulnerable countries, says foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra.
The three countries receive the money through a NATO fund that has been helping Moldova and Georgia for some time. No weapons are paid from this, but military training, advice and equipment, for example, are paid. Hoekstra mentions, for example, anti-drone systems, cyber defense and the safe storage of weapons and ammunition.
The security and stability of Moldova, Georgia and Bosnia are under great pressure from influence and interference from Russia, Hoekstra’s ministry said. Especially now that Moscow and the West are once again facing each other head-on, according to the minister it is “critically important” that NATO strengthens ties with Eastern Europe.
Parts of Moldova and Georgia have been occupied by Russian troops and have once again felt threatened since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Bosnia has long been a powder keg. A vociferous Serbian minority has turned its ears to Moscow and has increased tensions in recent months.