European cooperation in the field of defense
In Brussels, Romanian Defense Minister Radu Miruţă called for increased attention to be paid to the Black Sea region
Ştefan Stoica, 05.03.2026, 13:50
The Minister of National Defense, Radu Miruţă, was in Brussels on Wednesday, where he met with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. During the discussions, the Romanian official highlighted the importance of strengthening the defense dimension at the European Union level. At the same time, he stressed the need to ensure adequate allocations through the future Multiannual Financial Framework to support the financing of the European defense industry. The defense minister advocated for a consolidated approach at the European level to simplify defense procedures and instruments so that member states can access dedicated European funds more efficiently.
The SAFE (Security Action for Europe) initiative, which is important for Romania both in terms of strengthening its industrial and technological defense base and increasing resilience in the Black Sea region, was also on the agenda. The two officials also discussed Romania’s proposal that, in order to continue the SAFE program, regulations should be drafted that include the creation of an accurate map of existing industrial facilities and their direct inclusion in the program.
On the other hand, Minister Miruţă and President Metsola discussed the danger of disinformation and technical versus political solutions to this scourge. In the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as the broader implications of instability in other regions, including the Middle East, Radu Miruţă reiterated the importance of maintaining a heightened focus on the Black Sea region. He stressed the need for a coherent and unified approach at the European and Euro-Atlantic level, in close coordination with NATO. The discussions reconfirmed the strategic relevance of NATO’s Eastern Flank for Euro-Atlantic security.
The Minister of National Defense highlighted Romania’s consistent contribution to measures aimed at strengthening the Alliance’s deterrence and defense posture, as well as its firm commitment to increasing investment in the field of defense. With regard to Ukraine, the Romanian official reiterated Romania’s consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of that state. Miruţă stressed the importance of continuing humanitarian, financial, and military assistance, as well as support for Kyiv’s European path. The meeting between Radu Miruţă and Roberta Metsola reconfirmed the joint commitment to strengthening European security and defense in an international context marked by complex and dynamic challenges. (MI)
