Moldovan authorities destroy more than 2,000 small arms and light weapons, with EU and UNDP support
On 20 March, Moldovan authorities destroyed 2,177 pieces of small arms and light weapons as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety and security.
The disposal event took place in Anenii Noi district, Bulboaca village, with weapons collected through law enforcement activities and voluntarily surrendered by residents.
The action was possible thanks to the support of the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the regional project SEESAC (South East and East Europe Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Centre).
“The Republic of Moldova is committed to ensuring the responsible management of small arms and light weapons, thus contributing to the security of citizens and the stability of the entire region,” said Alexandru Bejan, State Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs. “A safer society starts with concrete measures and today’s exercise contributes directly to reducing cross-border threats and risks.”
Since 2005, the Republic of Moldova, in partnership with the EU and UNDP SEESAC, has successfully destroyed over 13,000 small arms and light weapons.
According to UNDP’s SEESAC Armed Violence Monitoring Platform, in 2024, 113 firearm incidents were reported in Moldova, a slight increase from 2023.
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