Moldova Steps Up Cybersecurity Efforts with EU-Funded Project Completion

Enhancing Digital Security in Moldova

In a significant move to bolster the country’s digital security, the Moldovan parliament has adopted a law aimed at improving the cybersecurity of institutions providing vital services. This legislation was developed with the assistance of experts from the Estonian e-Governance Academy (eGA) as part of the European Union’s Rapid Assistance Project.

Key Provisions of the Cybersecurity Law

• Establishes clear guidelines for managing Moldova’s cybersecurity
• Sets basic requirements for security measures
• Creates a mechanism for monitoring and responding to cyber incidents
• Designates institutions and service providers required to achieve a necessary level of cybersecurity
• Mandates reporting significant cyber incidents to the Moldovan competent authority

Alignment with EU Provisions and Enhanced Digital Security

The European Union has welcomed this move, hailing it as an “important step for the Republic of Moldova” in enhancing its digital security. Dumitru Alaiba, Moldova’s deputy prime minister and minister of economic development and digitalization, emphasized that security, including cybersecurity, is a fundamental objective on the Moldovan agenda due to the country’s vulnerable geopolitical position.

EU-Funded Project Support

The Cybersecurity Law was developed within the European Union funded Moldova Rapid Assistance Project, which aims to increase the cyber resilience of public sector organizations and key critical infrastructure sectors in alignment with the EU Directive on the security of network and information systems (EU NIS Directive). The project has been carried out by the e-Governance Academy since May 2022.

Implementation Timeline

• Cybersecurity Act enters into force: January 1st, 2025
• Project completion date: November 2023