Romania seeks allied support for eastern flank defense

Romania's Defense Minister Radu Miruță urged allies for greater support at a NATO capability generation conference in Belgium, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster defenses on the alliance's eastern flank. Speaking at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), Miruță presented Romania's security realities, including a recent incident where a Russian drone exploded in the city of Galați.

Miruță called for enhanced deterrence and defense measures, specifically requesting additional contributions from member states to strengthen NATO's capabilities in monitoring, early warning, and defense against emerging threats. He reaffirmed Romania's firm commitment to NATO's defense posture and a coordinated approach to the security challenges posed by Russia's war in Ukraine.

The minister highlighted Romania's significant national defense effort, increasing spending to 3.5% of GDP and implementing measures to modernize military equipment and improve force readiness. He also noted Romania's pursuit of allied and European funding opportunities, such as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, to accelerate procurement programs and bolster its contribution to collective security.

"Romania invests in its own defense, but time is not on anyone's side, and until capabilities are delivered, we need support from our allies," Miruță stated. During the conference, he also held working meetings to discuss the security environment in the Black Sea region, Romania's contributions to NATO command structures, and prospects for strengthening the allied presence on the eastern flank.

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Romania invests in its own defense, but time is not on anyone's side, and until capabilities are delivered, we need support from our allies.