Romania and the EU-NATO Cooperation
Romania, holding the six-month Presidency of the Council of the EU, wants the EU to consolidate its capacity to respond to security threats, as a partner of NATO
România Internațional, 25.01.2019, 14:08
Romania remains a trustworthy partner of NATO
and will continue to fulfill its obligations within the Alliance, the Romanian
PM Viorica Dancila said after a meeting with the NATO Secretary General Jens
Stoltenberg. The two officials met on Wednesday in Brussels on the occasion of
Romania’s taking over the presidency of the Council of the EU. PM Dancila
presented the NATO official with Romania’s priorities at the helm of the
Council, focusing on cohesion and cooperation among member states in the face of
new security challenges and ensuring a more important role of the EU at world
level.
Romania firmly supports a strong Alliance and the consolidation of the
trans-Atlantic relationship, which is vital for Euro-Atlantic security, Dancila
said. She added that Romania wants the EU to improve its capacity to face
security challenges, but as a partner of NATO. We are faced with many common threats,
such as hybrid attacks, including in the cyber field and the use of disinformation
and fake news to create tension and mistrust. We must face them together, the
Romanian PM said.
The two officials also approached the issue of security
in the region, in particular the developments in the Black Sea area, but also defense
on the eastern flank. Viorica Dancila:
I have conveyed the Romanian
Government’s support for the important progress made by NATO in adjusting to
the new realities. I have pointed out that security in the Black Sea area is part
of the Euro-Atlantic security and that the Alliance needs a strategic approach
in this region.
In turn, the NATO Secretary General, Jens
Stoltenberg, talked about Romania’s crucial role in the Black Sea area and appreciated
Romania’s contribution in the field of security. Moreover, he hailed the
country’s decision to spend 2% of the GDP on defense. The partnership has been important to both NATO and Romania. This year
is the 15th anniversary of Romania joining our Alliance. Your membership has been important for NATO
and for Romania. You contribute to our shared security in many different ways
and your contributions are making us all stronger and safer Stoltenberg said.
The NATO Secretary General also talked
about the Romanian military’s participation in NATO international missions. NATO and the EU are already working more closely than ever, in areas
including military mobility, cyber and hybrid threats, and maritime security.
And I welcome your plans for further strengthening NATO-EU cooperation during
Romania’s presidency, Jens Stoltenberg also said.
