On 28 October 2025, Mr Flavius Onofrei, Interim Head of the EUBAM Office in Moldova, had the honour to speak at the ESDC Basic Course on Security Sector Reform (SSR), marking a special edition dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the ESDC. The event was organized in Chișinău by the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and the National College of Home Affairs, Romania, in partnership with the “Ștefan cel Mare” Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova.
Addressing participants from EU Member States, EU agencies, and Eastern Partnership countries, Mr Onofrei provided an overview of the regional security landscape in Eastern Europe, with a focus on Moldova and Ukraine. He outlined how the current geopolitical context continues to shape crime and smuggling trends, the ways organised crime groups exploit conflict and corruption, and the importance of strengthening international cooperation to address these challenges. He also underscored the need to prioritise intelligence sharing, reinforce anti-corruption measures, enhance cyber resilience, and support vulnerable communities affected by insecurity and instability.
The course offered an engaging and interactive platform for dialogue among practitioners and experts, reflecting a shared European commitment to advancing Security Sector Reform in line with EU standards and contributing to the stability and resilience of the wider Eastern Partnership region.
