Romania and security guarantees

Romania continues to strengthen its national defense in the context of regional security developments

Daniela Budu, 23.05.2024, 14:00

President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday said there is no direct threat to Romania and that there is no signal or indication there is any danger of attacks or other unwanted events targeting Romania. It is very important to understand we are not alone, we are supported by our allies, and we are well prepared for any scenario, the head of state added.

“There is no direct threat. From the information I have, I can tell you Romania is a safe country. Romanians should not be afraid, but we must always be prepared for unexpected events. There is no need to panic or think that Romania is somehow under threat. Today, Romania benefits from the most important security guarantees we ever had”.

Klaus Iohannis expressed skepticism regarding the possible delivery of a Patriot system to Ukraine, saying it is a matter that must be discussed with army experts and decided in the Supreme Defense Council. The delivery of a Patriot defense system to the Ukrainian Armed Forces is still a delicate issue, far from being resolved. Klaus Iohannis:

“It’s not simple. I strongly refute the idea that Romania should remain without anti-missile defenses and without anti-aircraft systems. So, to the extent that in the end, Romania does deliver a system, it should receive something else instead, otherwise no action will be taken”.

Also on Wednesday, the Chief of General Defense Staff, General Gheorghiţă Vlad, said Romania must accelerate its efforts to endow the defense forces in the context of security developments in the region. The Ministry of Defense is considering a possible escalation of current military conflicts, the General said, drawing attention to the need to increase the army’s response capacity by means of new military equipment. Gheorghiţă Vlad explained:

“Our estimates account for future developments and scenarios, some of which indicate the possibility of escalation of conflicts, including those of a military nature. To diminish this possibility, we continue to rely on the deterrent effect generated by a robust defensive capacity, both nationwide and within NATO. This is why we will step up our efforts to strengthen national security as well as NATO’s deterrence and defense postures”.

We are in a time of peace, but the current reality is marked by complex security challenges, General Gheorghiță Vlad went on to say. In this context, Romania focuses on intensifying multinational and joint training, as well as on increasing the interoperability of structures and capabilities, both in the Black Sea region as well as on the entire allied Eastern Flank. Right now, investments in new technology and equipment remain a top priority for the Romanian Army, the official concluded. (VP)