DEMOCRATIC CIVILIAN CONTROL OVER THE ARMED FORCES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA TO JOIN THE EUROPEAN UNION.

Based on the experience of other countries, in the current context of regional security, the enhanced relations with NATO, and the status of candidate country for EU membership, the Republic of Moldova has to pay increased attention to its security and defence. It includes not only increasing budget allocations for the defence sector, professionalizing the armed forces or participating with troops alongside other European countries in various theatres of operations, but also ensuring institutional transparency and rigorous implementation of EU standards of civilian democratic control over the armed forces. The effectiveness of democratic civilian control will contribute to enhancing national security and will bring the Republic of Moldova closer to the European community. This article briefly discusses the evolution of democratic civilian control over the armed forces of the Republic of Moldova from a theoretical and practical point of view and sets up some recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]