MOLDOVA – For security reasons, the Republic of Moldova will shut down its airspace to all civilian aircraft on June 1, when the country will host a summit of European leaders, the Civil Aviation Authority of Moldova has announced. Only aircraft carrying official participants will be allowed to land. All drones will also be grounded starting May 31. Chișinău expects over 50 heads of state and government and representatives of EU institutions to attend the European Policy Community Summit, bringing together EU members and other 18 countries in Europe. The Republic of Moldova has been affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine, which the pro-European president Maia Sandu has repeatedly condemned. Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, missile debris has also crashed on Moldovan territory. In other news, the EU Foreign Affairs Council has adopted the disbursement of €40 mln to support the Moldovan defense sector, and a similar €30 mln aid package addressing Georgia. The funds will be earmarked under the European Peace Facility, which is also used to provide military assistance to Ukraine. The measure will finance non-lethal equipment, supplies and services, to the units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova including technical training, where required.
