The Moldovan Parliament, controlled by pro-Western lawmakers, approved a 10-year defense strategy on Thursday that calls for increased defense spending as part of its plans to join Europe. Pro-Russian opposition in Parliament mockingly stated that the document directly targets Moscow, although Moldova is small in territory and has limited armed forces. This document submitted by the country's Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatyi aims to raise defense spending to 1% of GDP by 2030. Moldova, one of the poorest countries in Europe, is situated between Ukraine and EU member Romania, and is a candidate country for the EU, planning to join by 2030. Moldova does not consider joining NATO, as its constitution stipulates the country's Neutral status. The document states that Moldova's Neutral status requires it to strengthen partnerships with different countries and international organizations to bolster defense. It mentions the risk of the Ukrainian conflict spreading, particularly near the Black Sea port of Odessa close to the Moldovan border.