Moldova's parliament, controlled by pro-Western lawmakers, approved a 10-year defense strategy on Thursday calling for increased defense spending as part of plans to join the European Union, Internet reported. The pro-Russian opposition in parliament ridiculed that Moldova had a small land area and few armed forces, but the document was senseless and directly targeted at Moscow. The document, submitted by the country's Defense Minister Anatoly Nosati, aims to increase defense spending to 1% of GDP by 2030. Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, located between Ukraine and EU member state Romania. It is a candidate for the EU and plans to join the EU in 2030. Moldova does not consider joining NATO because its constitution stipulates the country's neutrality. The document stated that Moldova's neutrality requires it to strengthen partnerships with different countries and international organizations to strengthen national defense. The document mentions the risk of spillover of the conflict in Ukraine, particularly near the Black Sea port of Odessa near the Moldovan border.