Strengthening readiness in the field of defence

Romania takes important steps in strengthening its defence capabilities

Mihaela Ignătescu, 29.04.2025, 13:50

In an increasingly complex geopolitical context, Romania is focusing its efforts on strengthening its defence capacity at national level, but also in an extended framework. On Monday, the Minister of National Defence Angel Tîlvăr met in Brussels with Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space. The talks between the two focused on strengthening Romania’s defence preparedness and means of boosting European industrial cooperation, in the context of the new legislative package adopted by the European Commission, of strategic relevance to the security of the community bloc.

Angel Tîlvăr and Andrius Kubilius also analysed means of achieving the goals set in the White Paper on European Defence – Readiness 2030 and discussed the use of the financial support available through the “Readiness 2030” Initiative Package. In this context, the official from Bucharest emphasized the need to make European instruments more flexible in order to facilitate investments in the defence field. At the same time, he brought up Romania’s intention to activate the derogatory clause provided for in the Stability and Growth Pact. Angel Tîlvăr also expressed interest in accessing the financing offered through the SAFE (Safe Action for Europe) instrument, with a priority focus on projects dedicated to land and naval systems, infantry equipment, military countermobility solutions, and command and control technologies.

It is worth mentioning that the proposed SAFE regulation, a pillar of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030, aims at a new financial instrument through which the Member States will be able to secure guaranteed loans from the EU budget of up to 150 billion euros for joint acquisitions of military capabilities. “In a dynamic geopolitical context, investments in defence represent not only a security necessity, but also an opportunity to strengthen European solidarity. Romania is actively assuming this role, supporting the projects launched by the European Commission”, Minister Angel Tîlvăr stated on this occasion.

Regarding the development of the European defence industry, the Romanian official advocated a balanced geographical distribution of investments and the stimulation of cross-border collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises. Last but not least, he highlighted the importance of expanding strategic partnerships with third countries that share European values, in order to strengthen global supply chains with critical raw materials.

Minister Angel Tîlvăr and European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius highlighted the importance of accelerating the process of adopting the European Defence Industry Program Regulation. Also on Monday, the Senate in Bucharest adopted the draft ratification of the Agreement between the Governments of Romania and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on cooperation in the field of defence. (MI)