Radio România Internațional

Tag: defense

  • March 11, 2025 UPDATE

    March 11, 2025 UPDATE

    A roundup of local and international news.

     

    ELECTIONS – The Constitutional Court of Romania rejected, on Tuesday,  the appeal submitted by the pro-Russian extremist Călin Georgescu, upholding the decision of the Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) to invalidate his candidacy for the presidential elections in May. Previously, the Bureau invoked the Constitutional Court ruling to cancel the presidential elections last year and said his candidacy does not meet the conditions of legality, as Georgescu, by failing to comply with the electoral procedure, violated the obligation to defend democracy, which is based on fair and impartial elections. Georgescu’s election ban on Sunday was followed by violent protests from his supporters in which 13 gendarmes were wounded and material damages were caused.  The General Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal investigation for public instigation while the REPER party, from outside Parliament, filed a criminal complaint for public instigation and assault in respect of the public statements made by the president of the ultranationalist Alliance for the Union of Romanians, George Simion, the wanted mercenary Horaţiu Potra and Călin Georgescu in response to the decision of the Central Electoral Bureau. If Călin Georgescu and the parties supporting him – AUR and POT (in the opposition) – want to register another candidate for the May elections, they will have to submit the file and the list with the minimum 200,000 signatures by March 15. On the other hand, Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan will be able to run as an independent in the May presidential elections, after the Constitutional Court decided to reject all appeals filed against the BEC’s decision to validate his candidacy. Also on Tuesday, the Central Electoral Bureau accepted the registration of the candidacy of Crin Antonescu, whose presidential election run is supported by the ruling coalition made up of the Social Democratic Party, the National Liberal Party and the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romania.

     

    MOLDOVA – The European Parliament voted on Tuesday, by a wide majority, in favor of a growth plan for the Romanian-speaking Republic of Moldova, worth 1.9 billion euros. There were 499 MEPs who voted in favor, 117 against, and 44 abstained. In the debates that took place on Monday, MEPs emphasized that, through this mechanism, the Republic of Moldova is supported in becoming energy independent from Russia, Radio Chisinau reports. According to the cited source, the European plan for the Republic of Moldova provides for the granting of 520 million euros in the form of grants, while another 1.5 billion will be low-interest loans. The funds will be granted twice a year, following requests from the Government in Chisinau, and the European Commission will verify whether or not the conditions of the reform plan have been met. This plan provides for the development of infrastructure and increased financial assistance, the progressive integration of the Republic of Moldova into the EU single market, as well as the implementation of fundamental socio-economic reforms.

     

    NATO –  “NATO has military scenarios for any security situation that may affect member states, including those on the Eastern Flank”, says Romania’s interim president Ilie Bolojan. His statement comes after the White House gave signals that it might reduce its presence in Europe and that some US troops may be relocated. In another move, the Romania median note, the expansion of the NATO military base in Mihail Kogălniceanu, in the south-east, is going ahead in keeping with the initial plan and there is no indication it may be halted. The base already employs 200 local workers, whose number may grow, given that the over 2.5 billion euro project provides for the transformation of the area into a genuine city able to house 10,000 military and civilians.

     

    ECONOMY –  Romanian finance minister Tanczos Barna on Tuesday attended the meeting of the Economic and Financial Committee in Brussels. Talks focused on competitiveness and ways to improve the business environment, cooperation in the fiscal area, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the recovery and resilience mechanism. The Committee presented the ministers with the Omnibus package, whose aim is to reduce the administrative burden by at least 25%, and even at least 35% for small and medium sized enterprises. With regard to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the ministers exchanged views on the current situation and the economic and financial impact of the conflict, including as a result of the application of sanctions, with an emphasis on their practical application in the customs area. The ministers also looked at the implementation of the recovery and resilience mechanism.

     

    EU –  The president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the president of the European Council Antonio Costa have called in the European Parliament for a rapid boost in European defense capacity that would go hand in hand with support for Ukraine, given that the Kremlin is spending more on defence than the entire Europe. According to the Romanian news agency Agerpres, von der Leyen said there is urgent need to provide Ukraine with the military resources it needs and with solid security guarantees. Antonio Costa said Europe is living “a defining moment” and a clear “sense of urgency”. “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine entered its third year and the threat it represents has wider implications for Europe and international security”, he added.

     

    TENNIS –  Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian on Tuesday lost her third—round match against 6th seed Jasmine Paolini of Italy at the WTA 1000 tennis tournament in Indian Wells, worth some 9 billion dollars. She was defeated in three sets. Earlier, Cristian beat the former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez of Canada. (EE)

     

  • Summit for Europe

    Summit for Europe

    European leaders met in Brussels on Thursday for an emergency summit, where they agreed on an arms plan meant to bolster defenses on the eastern flank of the Baltic and Black Seas. With the United States withdrawing its support for Ukraine amid a European campaign to support that country and to counter Russia’s expansionist tendencies, the 27 leaders of the community bloc gave the green light to a European Commission plan to strengthen defense. European leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine in Brussels and for providing security guarantees, together with the United States, in the event of a ceasefire. This week, EC President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a plan called “ReArm Europe” that could mobilize close to 800 billion Euros, of which 150 billion in the form of loans, to strengthen the continent’s defense capabilities.

     

    Several options are mentioned, including the possibility that member states significantly increase their military spending, without this being taken into account in the calculation of their deficit, limited in principle to 3% of their gross domestic product. These funds must be used to invest jointly, between at least two member states, in areas where the needs are most urgent, such as air defense, missiles, drones and anti-drone systems or even artillery systems. The EC President Ursula von der Leyen assured that with this equipment member states will be able to massively strengthen their aid to Ukraine. The Baltic states, Poland and Romania have imposed their point of view for prioritizing the eastern flank within the framework of projects with European funding worth 150 billion Euros. The details of this plan will be finalized together with the NATO teams.

     

    Attending the summit in Brussels, Romania’s interim president Ilie Bolojan said: “Certainly, a good part of this equipment, of these investments will be located in this area, and the production part, the consortium part, will be distributed throughout the European Union. And I think this is an opportunity for our defense industry as well, for part of these products to be made in factories in Romania, thus creating jobs”.

     

    Bucharest will not send troops to Ukraine, but it could become a regional military center, for organization and support for troops sent by other states. Romania’s presence will be necessary to know whether there will be elements related to the use of our country’s infrastructure, military bases, for example, on Romanian territory or elements of other military infrastructure such as ports and airports, Ilie Bolojan also said. (LS)

  • March 5, 2025 UPDATE 2

    March 5, 2025 UPDATE 2

    Defense – The Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu welcomed the proposals launched by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding the exemption of defense spending from the excessive deficit procedure, a solution for which Romania has constantly advocated, he said. In a message posted on Facebook, the prime minister also stated that Romania supports the allocation of additional funds for weaponry, provided that the money reaches Romanian factories. He also specified that Bucharest remains on the same coordinates so far, namely in favor of increasing the defense spending and against sending Romanian troops to Ukraine. The President of the European Commission proposed the creation of a new “ReArm Europe” plan, which could mobilize almost 800 billion Euros for defense investments in the European Union and for military aid for Ukraine invaded by the Russian army.

     

    Russia – The air and naval military attaché of the Russian Federation in Bucharest and his deputy have been declared persons not welcome (personae non gratae) on the territory of Romania. The decision of the Romanian authorities was communicated on Wednesday to the chargé d’affaires of the Russian Embassy in Bucharest, who was summoned to the Foreign Ministry headquarters. The institution specifies that the two military diplomats were sanctioned for carrying out activities that run counter to the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. Recently, the name of the deputy Russian military attaché, Evgheni Ignatiev, appeared in the criminal file of the former presidential candidate, the pro-Russian extremist Călin Georgescu. Prosecutors claim that people around Georgescu are in contact with Russian military attaches, suspected of being agents of the military intelligence service in Moscow. On Wednesday, Calin Georgescu’s complaint against the judicial control measure was heard in Bucharest, in the file in which he is being investigated for six crimes, including incitement to actions against the constitutional order. According to him, a decision is expected on Thursday. He was placed under judicial control by prosecutors from the General Prosecutor’s Office last Wednesday for 60 days.

     

    Travel Fair – Romania’s tourist offers are promoted over March 4-6 at the Berlin International Tourism Exchange (ITB Berlin), the world’s largest travel trade fair. Germany, Romania’s number one trade partner, is also the largest market for Romanian tourism, Economy Minister Bogdan Ivan says. Last year, Romania reported a 10% increase in the number of German tourists, totaling some 240 thousand. At the ITB Berlin, Romania is promoted by means of cultural circuits, active and adventure tourism, holidays on the Black Sea coast and in the Danube Delta, rural tourism and city breaks. One of the top attractions this year is also the “George Enescu” International Festival. The 27th edition will be held over August 24 – September 21 in Bucharest, bringing together 4,000 musicians, reputed orchestras, conductors and soloists which are bound to turn Bucharest into the capital of classical music.

     

    EU funds – Romania has received over 100 billion Euros worth of European funds since its accession to the European Union in 2007, said, Wednesday, the Minister of Investments and European Projects, Marcel Boloş. According to the official, Romania is no longer an economic periphery, but a country that is quickly catching up, surpassing Poland, Hungary, Croatia and Greece in terms of the GDP per capita, an essential indicator of the standard of living. Minister Boloş recalled that the European funds received are found in the infrastructure, almost 900 km of motorways and expressways having been built in the last two decades, are also found in the expansion of the sewage network, in grants granted to companies to develop, in thousands of renovated, equipped or expanded schools and hospitals or in the creation of new stable jobs. The reality is that the EU has been and remains Romania’s partner in development, Marcel Boloş concluded.

     

    EU – The citizens of European Union member states, including Romanians, can apply, as of Wednesday, to obtain the electronic travel authorization required from April 2 to enter the United Kingdom or to transit this country on the way to another destination. Requests must be sent on the official UK ETA application. The Romanian Foreign Ministry specifies that the electronic visa will be valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips to the United Kingdom throughout this period. ETA costs 10 pounds, around 60 lei, for all age categories, including minors. The fee will be paid at the time of application, and the money will not be refunded in case of refusal, the Bucharest diplomacy also specifies.

     

    Transparency International – The global picture regarding the corruption perception index has deteriorated in the last 12 years, shows a study published on Wednesday by Transparency International. In the European Union, the average score decreased by two points in 2024 compared to the previous year. Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Slovakia and Hungary recorded negative trends. Other member states, such as Romania, stagnated below the Union average. Romania is on 65th place out of the 180 included in the study, on the same level as Montenegro, Kuwait and Malta. Among the recommendations of the Transparency International organization for Romania is the increase in awareness regarding the law that protects whistleblowers in the public interest, especially in areas such as public procurement, the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, environmental protection and public health.

     

    Football – Romania’s football champions, FCSB, on Thursday will take on Olympique Lyon of France at home in the round of 16 of Europa League. The return leg is scheduled for March 13 in France. The Bucharest club advanced to the round of 16 of Europa League after a two-leg win over PAOK Thessaloniki of Greece coached by the Romanian Răzvan Lucescu.

     

    Investigation – The Florida Attorney General’s Office is officially investigating the British-American influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan, after the two arrived in Florida last week, dpa reports. The Tate brothers are also being investigated in Romania for human trafficking and exploitation of young women. They were arrested in Romania in December 2022 and were initially subject to a ban on leaving the country. However, Romanian authorities eventually allowed them to leave, and the two went to Florida. According to the German news agency, their release is rumored to have been brokered by the Trump administration, but the White House leader has denied any involvement. Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer, has become a symbol of online misogyny in recent years, along with his brother Tristan. Romanian prosecutors accuse the two of coercing women to produce commercial videos with sexually explicit content. Investigations have revealed at least 34 alleged victims, including a 15-year-old girl. Both brothers deny any wrongdoing. (LS)

  • March 5, 2025 UPDATE 1

    March 5, 2025 UPDATE 1

    Defense – The Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu welcomed the proposals launched by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding the exemption of defense spending from the excessive deficit procedure, a solution for which Romania has constantly advocated, he said. In a message posted on Facebook, the prime minister also stated that Romania supports the allocation of additional funds for weaponry, provided that the money reaches Romanian factories. He also specified that Bucharest remains on the same coordinates so far, namely in favor of increasing the defense spending and against sending Romanian troops to Ukraine. The President of the European Commission proposed the creation of a new “ReArm Europe” plan, which could mobilize almost 800 billion Euros for defense investments in the European Union and for military aid for Ukraine invaded by the Russian army.

     

    Russia – The air and naval military attaché of the Russian Federation in Bucharest and his deputy have been declared persons not welcome (personae non gratae) on the territory of Romania. The decision of the Romanian authorities was communicated on Wednesday to the chargé d’affaires of the Russian Embassy in Bucharest, who was summoned to the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry. The institution specifies that the two military diplomats were sanctioned for carrying out activities that run counter to the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961.

     

    EU – The citizens of European Union member states, including Romanians, can apply, as of Wednesday, to obtain the electronic travel authorization required from April 2 to enter the United Kingdom or to transit this country on the way to another destination. Requests must be sent on the official UK ETA application. The Romanian Foreign Ministry specifies that the electronic visa will be valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips to the United Kingdom throughout this period. ETA costs 10 pounds, around 60 lei, for all age categories, including minors. The fee will be paid at the time of application, and the money will not be refunded in case of refusal, the Bucharest diplomacy also specifies. (LS)

  • Joint training of Spanish military of the NATO Battle group and the Romanian Mountain Hunters.

    Joint training of Spanish military of the NATO Battle group and the Romanian Mountain Hunters.

    Joint training of Spanish military of the NATO Battle group and the Romanian Mountain Hunters.
    Scout militaries of the Mountain Hunters’ 61st Brigade jointly with the Spanish military Battle group, for two weeks running took a training stage hosted by the training camp in Diham, Brasov County.

    For the Spanish military, training in Romania was, to put it at the mildest, unusual, since they are Marines special corps, whereas their training in Romania took place in the Carpathians’ snow-covered forests and peaks.

    Training in the mountains offered militaries of both armies the opportunity to share their professional experience in a bid to enhance the interoperability level using joint procedures in various tactical operations. The forested mountain terrain, difficult to access, strengthened the team spirit and the sense of belonging to the great NATO family.

    These are the thoughts shared by the commander of the Spanish contingent, major Alejandro Caballero:

    “By all means, the climate here is quite different from the one we have in southern Spain, where we come from. There are a great many differences, also, if we speak about the terrain where we train, that is on the coast and in the littoral area. And now, here we are now, in the mountains, in winter, rubbing shoulders with our Romanian partners, an opportunity for us to prove our flexibility and adaptability, irrespective of the environment. Regarding the training exercises, they are similar, as both Romania and our country are NATO member states, so there are not that many differences, considering the implemented techniques, tactics and procedures. I take into account any opportunity to train jointly with military of other states who are stationed here, in Romania, so for us it is a tremendous opportunity. “

    Attending the joint Romanian-Spanish training stage was the new commander of the NATO Battle group in Romania, French colonel Thierry Denechaud.

    Colonel Denechaud had this to say on the joint training exercise:

    “First of all, I believe it is very important that joint action be taken, given that the Spanish militaries are part of a marine infantry contingent. It was for the first time ever when they trained in a mountain area, therefore, jointly with their Romanian partners, they made the first step towards the discovery of an environment they are not quite used to. I am positive that as part of the camp they learned many new and useful things, that is why, at the end of the week, they will return to the military base better prepared in that particular kind of training. Which is very good. “

    A team of US Army’s Civil Affairs and representatives of the 1st CIMIC Battalion, a civilians-militaries cooperation body of the Romanian Ground Forces were in Timisoara, in the west, for a new stage of the CIMIC Victory exercise. CIMIC Victory’s stated aims are the enhancement of the cooperation between institutions and the promotion of the strategic partnership between Romania and the Unites States.

    Captain Connor Smith is the leader of the US team. Captain Smith spoke about the relevance of the project.

    “US Army’s Civil Affairs mainly deal in the coordination and the management of military activities related to the communities revolving around the military operations. In Romania, that basically means training. We provided help keeping the authorities at the level of public institutions informed about the training exercises. We make sure such aspects as the convoys entering and getting out of the training areas do not interfere that much with the people’s daily traffic or day-to-day life.

    This morning I’ve been to a high-school in Timisoara, via the American Corner, which is the US Embassy’s program, where we participate in a bid to speak about the value of the US partnership in Romania and the importance of Romania being a NATO member state. We’re going to speak a little bit about the security provided by collective defense, one of the Alliance’s fundamental principles, also talking about the value of the bilateral partnership between the United States and Romania. “

  • February 4, 2025

    February 4, 2025

    Budget – Today, the Romanian MPs are focusing on the state budget and social insurance bills. With over 1,000 amendments submitted, most of them by the opposition, they will be discussed at an accelerated pace in the committees. The finance minister, Tánczos Barna, explained that the Government’s bill is based on spending cuts and supporting investments, with record allocations of 150 billion lei (about 30 billion Euros), which would ensure compliance with the deficit target of 7% of the gross domestic product. Adopted by the government at the end of last week, Romania’s budget bill for this year is built on an economic growth of 2.5% and an average inflation rate of 4.4%. The debates and the vote in Parliament are predictable, as the MPs of the ruling coalition (PSD-PNL-UDMR) form the majority.

     

    Israel – The American President Donald Trump today receives the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the first foreign leader invited to the White House after his return to power. The talks take place at a delicate moment in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas, for the second phase of the agreement to end the war in Gaza. According to Radio Romania’s correspondent in Israel, the public channel of the Israeli television reported that a compromise is foreseen between the desire of the extremist wing of the Israeli government, which seeks to compromise the transition to the 2nd stage of the Israel-Hamas agreement for the release of the hostages and the continuation of the war in the Gaza Strip, and the American administration, a firm supporter of the release of all hostages and of the end of the war. The compromise would consist in adopting the so-called Tunis model, which was applied in the 1980s to the Palestine Liberation Organization, when its leaders were expelled to Tunis, guaranteeing their lives and the continuation of the organization’s structure in return. On the same model, the extremist wing in the Israeli government could agree to a cessation of the war in the Gaza Strip and the only symbolic defeat of the Hamas organization, whose leaders, without being eliminated, would be expelled to another country, after the Tunisian model.

     

    BOR – Today, the Romanian Orthodox Church (the majority denomination in Romania) celebrates 100 years since its promotion to the rank of Patriarchate. According to Patriarch Daniel, this anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but also a call to gratitude towards our ancestors and a reflection on the role of our Church in the life of the Romanian people. The Romanian Patriarchate was, throughout its 100-year existence, an unquenchable torch of faith and national unity, he said. Specialists recall that the Romanian Patriarchate was born on February 4, 1925, in a historical context marked by the Great Union of 1918, which brought together all the historical Romanian provinces in a single unitary state.

     

    Defense – European defense without the United States will not work, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, after an informal defense meeting of European leaders in Brussels. Mark Rutte highlighted the importance of the NATO-European Union partnership, emphasizing the transatlantic connection as the foundation of European security. The former Dutch prime minister pleaded, at the same time, in favor of increasing defense spending and increasing military production. Romania’s President, Klaus Iohannis, said, among other things, that the US defense industries must collaborate much better and reiterated that Romania did not support the idea of ​​a separate European defense.

     

    Customs – The Romanian Customs Authority (AVR) has started real-time monitoring of means of transport with the help of smart seals applied by customs inspectors within mobile teams, as part of the RO e-Seal National System, the institution announced on Tuesday. This system significantly reduces customs and tax fraud, because the entire process of freight transport becomes transparent and uses a modern method to ensure the modernization and digitization of customs processes, the integrity of goods and the prevention of burglary, also in the case of other risks associated with transport, shows an AVR press release. According to the aforementioned source, the advantages of using the RO e-Seal National System include real-time monitoring, as electronic seals equipped with GPS technology allow full tracking of the transport route and, depending on the information obtained, the rapid intervention of mobile teams throughout the national territory for detecting, sanctioning of customs or fiscal fraud and fraudulent handling of goods. (LS)

  • February 3, 2025

    February 3, 2025

    A roundup of local and international news.

     

    DEFENSE – Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own defense in order to strengthen our strategic resilience, President Klaus Iohannis has said. The Romanian head of state is participating in an informal meeting of EU leaders on defense issues, held in Brussels today. The talks focus on military capabilities and the European defense industry. President Iohannis mentioned in this respect the need for adequate financing, regarded not only as an allocation of more money, but also as an efficient use of the instruments we already have. Regarding defense, the Romanian president emphasized the need for complementarity between the European Union and NATO. The meeting will also address issues regarding the importance of the transatlantic relationship and the Strategic Partnership between the EU and the US, the relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom, and the European Union’s defense partnerships. The debates also aim to identify basic principles needed for the development and adoption of a programmatic document related to the future of European defense – the ‘White Paper’, which is to be developed in the first part of 2025 by the European Commission.

     

    BUDGET – Romania’s 2025 draft budget is in Parliament, to be debated in an emergency procedure. The debates and the endorsement are given as sure, with the MPs of the PSD-PNL-UDMR coalition forming the majority. Passed by the Government at the end of last week, Romania’s 2025 draft budget is built on an economic growth rate of 2.5%, an average inflation rate of 4.4% and a deficit of 7% of GDP. According to the Minister of Finance, Tanczos Barna, the budget prioritizes investments, with record allocations of 150 billion lei (about 30 billion euros).

     

    EU – Attracting European funds to finance social projects for the Romanian citizens, protecting the rights and increasing the skills of workers in Romania are the topics of today’s meeting between Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for social rights, skills, quality jobs and training. Prezent in Bucharest on Monday and Tuesday, during her first official visit in this capacity, Roxana Mînzatu emphasized the openness to supporting the Romanian administration to attract as many European funds as possible. During the discussions, the two officials also referred to the debate taking place at European level on strengthening the EU’s emergency preparedness. In this context, Ciolacu said that Bucharest must be part of this debate, given the contribution that Romanian specialists have in managing such situations, such as fires and floods. On Tuesday, Roxana Mînzatu will meet with President Klaus Iohannis and will have talks with the President of the Senate, Ilie Bolojan, and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Ciprian Şerban.

     

    IMF – An International Monetary Fund mission is in Bucharest from February 3rd to 7th. The IMF team will meet with representatives of the new Romanian Government and the National Bank of Romania to review recent financial and economic developments and update the macroeconomic outlook. Romania does not currently have a financing agreement with the International Monetary Fund, but the financial institution annually assesses the evolution of the Romanian economy, based on consultations on Article IV, mandatory for all member states. The purpose of the consultations is to examine the financial and economic situation at the national level and to formulate general recommendations regarding monetary, financial and economic policies to be followed, to ensure stability and positive developments in the economy.

     

    UNIONS – The unionists at the Bucharest metro are on a Japanese strike today, to warn passengers and decision-making staff about the situation the company is in. If their demands are not met, on February 10 they will launch other protest actions. The unionists are dissatisfied with the ordinance adopted by the government at the end of last year, which canceled their negotiated salary increases provided for in the Collective Bargaining Agreement signed at the beginning of December 2024, and also with the fact that the company is underfinanced.

     

    CRIME – Prosecutors with the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime and Terrorism are carrying out searches in Romania and Monaco today, in a fraud case that includes embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion, related to what the press has called the Nordis real estate business. The investigations target around 70 suspects, individuals and legal entities. Starting in 2018, three of the suspects are said to have initiated and constituted an organized crime group, which orchestrated and implemented a complex crime mechanism, consisting mainly of promoting and developing real estate projects under the cover of several commercial companies, followed by collecting sums of money from clients, misleading buyers during the execution of pre-contracts and sale-purchase contracts. The result, prosecutors say, was the unlawful gain of sums of money as reimbursements or refunds from the state budget or compensations due to the general budget, causing damage to commercial companies, purchasing clients and the state budget. The leaders of the organized crime group allegedly collected from clients as advance payment under bilateral sales-purchase promises, respectively sales-purchase contracts, over 195 million euros.

     

     

  • Joint NATO-Romania exercises

    Joint NATO-Romania exercises

    Military of the US Army’s 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Romania have carried an exercise meant to strengthen the and antimissile integrated capabilities through the rapid deployment of the SHORAD systems. SHORAD have been specially conceived to counter the low-altitude threats and in a bid to secure NATO’s air space.

    Southern Shield 24 has been coordinated by US Army Command in Europe, jointly with the Romanian military structures. According to the US Embassy in Bucharest, the exercise ties in with NATO’s extended objectives, in a bid to promote and provide cohesion among the allied forces, at once ensuring stability and safety of NATO member states.

    Captain Kurt Blumeyer is the commander of the 1st Battalion’s Alpha Company as part of the 57th regiment. Captain Blumeyer thinks the participation, in Romania, in such n exercise is a message proving the US allies’ determination for the defense of NATO space.

    Captain Blumeyer said “We’re in north-eastern Romania for a routine exercise with our Romanian partners as well as with other US army structures, first of all to prove our rapid reaction force, with an anti-aircraft battery, so we can demonstrate this capability to swiftly reach anywhere along the eastern flank and provide feasible anti-aircraft forces in combat.

    Another thing that we do is to assure our allies we are determined to defend their air space, both the Romanians and the other allies taking part in the exercise, together with the rest of NATO alliance. And everybody understands that. “ US Army captain Kurt Blumeyer went on to say.

    Matthew Eickmeyer is a sergeant first class in the US Army. He is a platoon sergeant in are the 1st Battalion’s Alpha battery of the same regiment. At present he is posted in Romania, at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase in the south-east. Jointly with his platoon, sergeant Eickmeyer participates in the Southern Shield exercise for a couple of days.

    Here is what sergeant Eickmeyer said, quote, “We participate in an exercise testing my platoon’s capacity to act as a rapid reaction task force in the case of a threat. This is only a swift and brief exercise testing the abilities of our platoon. I am very proud of my soldiers; from the very moment they wake up when the day begins until the moment they lay their heads on the pillow at the end of the day. I am proud of everything they have achieved, proud of everything they accomplish day by day.

    Ever since this unit has been activated, a year ago, I was very enthused because of everything they have done and how much they have grown and how much they have achieved throughout the year. The eventual aim of this endeavor is to secure the Romanian partners and show them we defend each and every centimeter of NATO territory, not only on the ground, but also in the air. ”

    Also taking part in the Southern Shield exercise carried in Romania was the commander of the 52nd Anti-Aircraft defense Brigade stationed in Sembach, Germany. Colonel Hailey Bairu stated that everything that has been established though partnerships or joint understandings needs to be tested through such exercises. “Our leaders have spoken about how important our allies are, in the defense of Europe and what we do here, in Romania, is the implementation of this alliance.

    A partnership works only when we have proven our interoperability capacity as well as our ability to communicate, personally, tactically, but also at systemic level. Therefore, what we do here, in Romania, is to exert our ability to integrate with our Romanian allies.

    We are here on the eastern flank deploying an anti-aircraft and anti-missile system to make sure we can connect with them when the time comes and when it is needed to defend Europe’s each square centimeter, just as our leaders have said”, colonel Bairu stated.

  • Transition program towards F-35, launched

    Transition program towards F-35, launched

    The Romanian Air Force’s transition program to 5th generation aircraft has been launched.

     

    Romania’s decision to acquire advanced fighter jets is a key step in the ongoing modernization of the Romanian Armed Forces and will contribute significantly to the long-term defense of the NATO Alliance and our collective security. This is the message of the United States Ambassador in Bucharest, Kathleen Kavalec, at the launch event of the Romanian Air Force’s transition program to 5th generation aircraft.

     

    The 32 F-35 aircraft for which the acquisition contract was signed by the Romanian and American governments is the top of aviation performance at present, says the Defense Minister, Angel Tîlvăr: ʺF-35 aircraft have stealth technology, advanced sensor and communications systems, unparalleled speed and maneuverability, which makes them vital for modern military operations. The unique technological capabilities of these aircraft allow them to act as a multiplier for both deterrence and air defense capabilities, including those based on the ground, and for indirect fire force support systems, which can be supported in real time with data from the space in which they operate.ʺ

     

    According to the minister, the allocation of 2% of the GDP for Defense since 2017, a percentage that has now reached 2.5%, has allowed the Romanian Army to begin the most extensive modernization process. And the advance – as stated by the US ambassador Kathleen Kavalec – is a significant one: the Romanian Air Force has switched from MiG aircraft to F-16 fighter jets, so that, from 2030, it will have state-of-the-art F-35 aircraft. The American diplomat recalled that the current security challenges are significant, and Romania, as a NATO ally on the eastern flank, has been directly affected by Russia’s war of aggression in the neighboring Ukraine.

     

    When needed, the Romanian Air Force and the Alliance have mobilized fighter jets, following the detection of airspace violations in southeastern Romania, near the border with Ukraine. Beyond the military impact, says Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the acquisition of the F-35 aircraft also has an economic impact: ʺBy integrating these aircraft into the Romanian Armed Forces, Romania has stimulated the development of the defense sector and will support the creation of jobs in key areas of the defense industry and technology. In addition, the integration of the F-35 into the National Defense System will offer new opportunities for training and professional development for our young specialists in the technological field.ʺ It is, therefore, an element that contributes to the development of a competent and well-trained workforce, the Prime Minister also said.

     

  • Romania and regional security

    Romania and regional security

    The consolidation of cooperation in the field of regional security, with an emphasis on the EUFOR Althea mission, in which Romania assumed a significant role, was included in the agenda of talks occasioned by the bilateral meeting of the Romanian Defense Minister, Angel Tîlvăr, on Wednesday, in Sarajevo, with his counterpart from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez. Against the backdrop of increasingly complex security challenges in the Western Balkans region, Minister Tîlvăr reiterated Bucharest’s firm commitment to actively contributing to efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. “Romania has always been a firm supporter of security in the Western Balkans and the European path of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EUFOR Althea mission, to which we are currently contributing with the most important contingent, represents a central pillar in the international efforts on this level. We are proud of our constant contribution, and we are ready to take over the command of EUFOR in 2025, a commitment that reflects our determination in this regard”, said Angel Tîlvăr.

     

    The bilateral defense cooperation agreement, signed in June 2024, was another important topic on the agenda of the two ministers’ discussions. The document establishes the framework for the deepening of military collaboration between the two states, including aspects of joint training, exchange of experience and logistical support. At the same time, Angel Tîlvăr conveyed a message of solidarity to the people affected by the recent floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina and informed that the aid recently sent by the Romanian Government to this country, as humanitarian support, will be supplemented. Previously, Minister Angel Tîlvăr was in Kosovo, where he met with the command team of the NATO peacekeeping operation KFOR, to which Romania has an important contribution, and with the Romanian soldiers on mission in this theater of operations. The North Atlantic Alliance has been conducting the multinational peacekeeping operation KFOR (Kosovo Force) since 1999, when it was decided to create an international security presence in Kosovo. “As a member of NATO and the European Union, Romania is ready to comply with its obligations and support allied efforts to maintain security and promote peace in the Western Balkans region”, the Romanian minister pointed out.

     

    He also met with the Romanian military working in the Camp Film City and Camp Novo Selo military bases in Pristina. The minister highlighted the excellent cooperation between the Romanian forces and those deployed by the allies in the KFOR Operation. “The lesson learned by Romania in the last three decades in which it has contributed to peace enforcement and peacekeeping missions and operations is that security is obtained by countering challenges where they exist, in order not to allow instability to reach home,” Minister Angel Tîlvăr concluded. (LS)

  • B9 meeting in Bucharest

    B9 meeting in Bucharest

    NATO must react to Russia’s incursions into the member states’ airspace, in the context of the war in Ukraine. This is the conclusion of the B9 meeting in Bucharest.

     

    NATO must give a robust and coordinated response to the repeated intrusion of Russian drones and missiles into the Alliance’s airspace, the Romanian Minister of Defense, Angel Tîlvăr, said. At the B9 meeting in Bucharest, bringing together the allied defense ministers on NATO’s Eastern Flank, Minister Tîlvăr said that the security situation in the Black Sea region remains worrying, due to the threats generated by Russia’s aggressive actions, including through disinformation and cyber attacks. Angel Tîlvăr: “The B9 states are deeply concerned about the repeated incursions of Russian Federation’s drones and missiles into NATO airspace in Poland, Romania and Latvia and about the escalation of tensions along the NATO borders. That is why a robust and coordinated response at allied level is needed, as well as the implementation, as soon as possible, of the rotational model of NATO’s integrated air and anti-missile defense”.

     

    Against this background, the Romanian minister also focused on the Republic of Moldova, which is facing challenges from the Russian Federation. He pointed out once more that the country needs support for its European integration, a safe investment, he says, in the security of the Black Sea region and Europe. In turn, the Polish Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Zalewsky, said that at the upcoming meeting of the Defense Ministers from the allied states, it is important to establish concrete action measures to detect drones and destroy enemy targets. According to Zalewsky, when we say that no centimeter of NATO territory can be attacked by Russia and must be defended, we are also referring to airspace. He also said that  essential initiatives were discussed  in this context, namely The European Sky Shield Initiative and the Eastern Shield initiative, the first being aimed at strengthening cooperation and increasing funding, and the second at strengthening the borders with Russia and Belarus.

     

    Present in Bucharest on Wednesday, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Romania to analyze the possibility of shooting down Russian drones and missiles near the Romanian airspace. During the meeting with his Romanian counterpart, Luminiţa Odobescu, he hailed the support granted by Romania, for the defense of Ukraine’s independence, following the country’s decision to donate a Patriot system. Minister Sybiha said this is a shield not only for Ukraine, but also for Europe, and that, especially around winter, it will allow them to strengthen their defense capabilities. Minister Odobescu reiterated, in turn, Romania’s full support for the defense of Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

     

  • August 23, 2024

    August 23, 2024

    Brussels – The Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu discussed, on Thursday, in Brussels, with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, about the future European Commissioner from Romania, about the state of fulfillment of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan – PNRR, as well as about a new agreement on Romania’s deficit, which should extend over 7 years. Regarding the position of European commissioner, Marcel Ciolacu announced that he proposed Victor Negrescu, the current vice-president of the European Parliament. During the meeting, they tackled Romania’s accession to Schengen also with land borders, with the Prime Minister stressing that Ursula von der Leyen is the “biggest” supporter of this cause.

     

    Defense – The Chief of the Defense Staff, General Gheorghiţă Vlad, met on Thursday, in Bucharest, with his counterpart from the French Republic, General Thierry Burkhard, who is on an official visit to Romania. The talks between the two focused on the regional security situation, the fulfillment of the conditions for achieving, in 2025, the final operational capacity of the NATO Battle Group, and the responsibilities of the Hexagon structures deployed in Romania in order to strengthen the allied deterrence and defense posture respectively. General Gheorghiţă Vlad emphasized that, in the last two years, the excellent cooperation relations between the two armies to ensure collective defense were also reflected in the increased interoperability between structures and in terms of infrastructure development for training and quartering. The visit schedule included the meeting, in the facilities of the Getica National Joint Training Center in Cincu (centre), of the two heads of Defense with soldiers from the NATO Battle Group. The role of the framework nation of the NATO Battle Group was assumed by France.

     

    Washington – The Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her party’s nomination as a candidate for the US presidency, within the Democratic National Convention. She told supporters that the country has a chance to overcome resentment, cynicism and division. Harris promised tax cuts for the middle class. As regards abortions, she accused her opponent, the former Republican President Donald Trump, of wanting to introduce a national ban. About foreign policy, Harris said that dictators around the world support Trump, the BBC reports.

     

    Tennis – The Romanian tennis player Gabriela Ruse managed to reach the main singles draw of the US Open Grand Slam tournament, which starts on Monday, at the Flushing Meadows arenas in New York, after defeating Alexandra Eala from the Philippines in 3 sets. Ruse will face Julia Grabher from Austria in the inaugural round. She is the third Romanian to reach the main singles draw at the US Open, after Ana Bogdan and Jaqueline Cristian entered directly the singles draw, thanks to the ranking. Cristian will play against the Russian Daria Kasatkina, the 12th seed, while Ana Bogdan will meet the Dutch Arantxa Rus in the first round.

     

    Football – The Romanian football champions, FCSB, ended in a draw 1-all the away match with the Austrian team LASK Linz, on Thursday evening, in the first leg of the Europa League play-off. The second leg will be played on August 29, in Bucharest. The vice-champion CFR Cluj (north-west) defeated the Cypriot team FC Pafos 1-0 on home ground, in the first leg of the Conference League football play-off. The decisive second leg will take place in Limassol, on August 29. (LS)

     

  • L’OTAN et la guerre en Ukraine

    L’OTAN et la guerre en Ukraine

    C’est un modèle qui ne fait que se répéter : lorsque l’armée russe d’invasion lance des attaques aux drones contre les ports ukrainiens au Danube, des alarmes sont déclenchées aussi en Roumanie voisine, pays membre de l’OTAN et de l’Union européenne. La population civile des départements de Tulcea et de Galati, dans le sud-est, à proximité de l’Ukraine, a été avertie aussi à la fin de la semaine dernière par le biais de messages d’urgence RO-ALERT, les premières de ce type en 2024 – a fait savoir l’Inspection des Situation d’urgences du delta du Danube. Les habitants des lieux ont été avertis quant à la possibilité de chutes d’objets depuis l’espace aérien et les autorités ont recommandé d’adopter des mesures de protection et de chercher un abri, si la situation l’impose. Sur les réseaux de partage, de nombreux habitants des lieux ont affirmé avoir entendu de fortes explosions depuis l’Ukraine.

    Les propos de Donald Trump provoquent un tollé

    Une alerte différente a été déclenchée dans les rangs de l’Alliance de l’Atlantique nord, suite aux propos de l’ex président américain, le républicain Donald Trump, dont le retour à la Maison Blanche semble de plus en plus plausible. Même les collègues républicains de celui-ci l’ont critiqué après que celui-ci avait dit que les Etats Unis ne devraient plus défendre les pays alliés qui ne paient pas leurs contributions à l’OTAN. L’ex-président avait critiqué par le passé les Etats de l’OTAN qui n’allouent pas les enveloppes nécessaires à la défense, mais cette fois-ci, ses propos ont été carrément choquants. Il a laissé entendre qu’il encouragerait même la Russie d’attaquer des Etats qui ne paient pas leurs factures envers l’Alliance. Ses affirmations ont été condamnés tant par le président démocrate Joe Biden que par le secrétaire général de l’OTAN, Jens Stoltenberg, qui ont souligné que de telles suggestions ne font que miner la sécurité de l’Alliance dans son entier, qui repose sur la défense commune et met en danger les soldats américains et européens. Les médias notent que M Trump décrit d’une manière inexacte la manière dont fonctionne le financement de l’OTAN.

    L’Alliance a décidé d’une obligation des Etats membres d’allouer 2% de leur PIB aux dépenses militaires de chaque Etat membre, mais la majorité d’entre eux ne le font pas. Ce chiffre n’est qu’une recommandation et non pas un contrat obligatoire et aucune « facture » n’est émise. Ce qui plus est, aucun Etat membre n’enregistre des arriérés de paiement de ses contributions au budget commun de l’OTAN.

    Le nouveau président finlandais, un partisan de l’OTAN

    Entre temps, dimanche, le membre le plus récent de l’Alliance de l’Atlantique nord, la Finlande a élu un nouveau président, l’ex-premier ministre conservateur Alexander Stubb, devenu entre temps un partisan convaincu de l’Alliance, après que son pays eut renoncé aux décennies de stricte neutralité qui ont suivie la deuxième guerre mondiale. Premier ministre de 2014 à 2015, M Stubb avouait qu’une de ses plus grandes erreurs en tant que chef du gouvernement d’Helsinki a été de donner le feu vert à la construction d’une centrale nucléaire en coopération avec la société russe Rosatom. Après la victoire d’Alexander Stubb aux élections, le président roumain, Klaus Iohannis félicité son homologue finlandais et affirmé qu’il attendait « avec impatience de travailler ensemble et de développer le partenariat européen étroit entre la Roumanie et la Finlande » et de « défendre les valeurs euro-atlantiques ».

  • 10.02.2024 (mise à jour)

    10.02.2024 (mise à jour)

    Défense – Les habitants du département de Tulcea, dans le sud-est de la Roumanie ont reçu dans la nuit de vendredi à samedi des messages les mettant en garde sur la possibilité de la chute d’objets de l’espace aérien. L’objectif de ces messages a été d’informer la population sur ce qu’il faut faire dans une telle situation : garder le calme et entreprendre des mesures d’autoprotection. La population a signalé avoir entendu plusieurs explosions à proximité de la frontière avec l’Ukraine, où de nouvelles attaques russes aux drones et aux missiles ont eu lieu. Le ministère de la Défense a notifié la nuit dernière l’inspection générale de situations d’urgence sur les régions du comté de Tulcea à haut risque suite aux attaques aux drones lancées par les forces russes contre l’infrastructure portuaire ukrainienne à Ismail et Reni, à proximité de la frontière roumaine. Dans ce contexte, des avions F16 des forces aériennes turques ont décollé la nuit dernière dans le cadre d’une mission de recherche dans l’espace aérien national. Ces avions réalisent aux côtés des avions des forces aériennes roumaines des missions de police des ciels renforcée sous le commandement de l’OTAN. Le ministère roumain de la défense condamne fermement les attaques de la Russie contre des sites et des éléments d’infrastructure civile des ports ukrainiens au Danube. Aucun drone n’a pénétré l’espace aérien roumain la nuit dernière, annonce encore le ministère de la Défense de Roumanie.

    Fermiers – La Commission européenne a approuvé un schéma d’aide d’une valeur de 241 millions d’euros, notifiée par la Roumanie pour soutenir ses producteurs agricoles, dans le contexte de la guerre menée par la Russie contre l’Ukraine. L’aide sera accordée sous la forme de financements non-remboursables accordés directement aux producteurs agricoles roumains notamment aux producteurs de céréales d’hiver et de colza qui risquent de perdre leur liquidité à cause des difficultés enregistrées sur le marché suite à l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine. Le financement ne dépassera pas les 280 000 euros par bénéficiaire. La Commission européenne a conclu que cette mesure était nécessaire, adéquate et proportionnelle pour remédier une perturbation grave de l’économie d’un Etat membre. La Roumanie bénéficiera de 34 millions d’euros du Fonds de solidarité de l’UE pour compenser les dégâts causés par la sécheresse de 2022. L’argent a déjà été versé à Bucarest en décembre dernier. La Roumanie a à sa disposition une année et demie pour mettre en place cette aide.

    Deepfake
    –     La loi portant sur la lutte contre le phénomène des « deepfake »
    entrera en vigueur avant le mois
    d’avril, avant la campagne électorale, a annoncé le ministre roumain de
    la recherche et de la numérisation, Bogdan Ivan. La technique « deepfake »,
    par le biais de laquelle l’intelligence artificielle est utilisée pour créer du
    contenu enligne faux à l’intention de tromper les utilisateurs, est de plus en
    plus présente, y compris en Roumanie. Souvent il s’agit de vidéos qui semblent
    illustrer des personnes publiques réelles mais en réalité ce sont des images et
    des discours créés à l’aide de l’intelligence artificielle. La nouvelle
    législation introduira des amendes pour les créateurs de tels contenus allant
    de 120 euros à 18 000 euros, a précisé le ministre en en situation de
    violations très graves, les peines iront jusqu’à deux ans. Le ministre Bogdan
    Ivan a également dit que les grandes plateformes de partage avaient annoncé la
    mise en place de filtres pour identifier et empêcher la publication de contenus
    « deepfake ».

    Politique – Organiser simultanément l’élection au Parlement européen et l’élection municipale, le 9 juin prochain – voici le principal thème à l’agenda de la coalition gouvernementale en Roumanie. Selon des sources politiques, les sociaux-démocrates ont également proposé d’organiser en même temps le scrutin présidentiel et celui législatif national. Le président du PSD et premier ministre Marcel Ciolacu affirme qu’il souhaite un calendrier clairement établi au sein de la coalition. L’opposition critique cette initiative et menace de contester à la Cour Constitutionnelle tout décret gouvernemental en ce sens. Le président de l’AUR, George Simion, affirme qu’une telle décision transgresse toutes les recommandations internationales. L’Union Sauvez la Roumanie a également annoncé avoir démarré les démarches pour saisir la Commission de Venise pour qu’elle exprime son opinion sur la décision d’organiser en commun des élections municipales et pour le Parlement européen, moins de six mois avant la date du scrutin. Rappelons-le, en 2024, pas moins de 4 scrutins sont à organiser en Roumanie : scrutin législatif, européen, municipal et présidentiel.

    Magistrats – En Roumanie, le Conseil supérieur de la magistrature organise un nouveau concours d’admission au système pour occuper une centaine de postes. Les dossiers d’inscription au concours doivent être déposés avant le 26 février et les étapes du concours se dérouleront jusqu’à la fin juin. 75 postes de juge sont disponibles et leur nombre pourrait être augmenté de 30 autres postes supplémentaires. Dans le cas des procureurs le nombre de postes disponibles est de 42, avec une possibilité d’y ajouter 11 postes supplémentaires. Le Conseil supérieur de la majoration rapportait l’année dernière un déficit de 20% pour les juges et estimait qu’avant la fin de l’année 2025, celui-ci pourrait augmenter jusqu’à 40%. Les magistrats roumains peuvent partir à la retraite beaucoup plus tôt que la majorité des catégories sociales.

    Ukrainiens – Plus de sept millions d’Ukrainiens sont entrés en Roumanie au cours des deux dernières années, dans le contexte de la guerre déclenchée par la Russie. Selon les chiffres de la police roumaine aux frontières, près de 40 000 sont entrés dans le pays rien que la semaine dernière. La vaste majorité des Ukrainiens ont seulement transité le territoire roumain. Seulement un tiers de la capacité des centres d’hébergement mis à la disposition des réfugiés par l’Inspection générale de l’immigration est occupée. Quelque 4 500 ressortissants d’Ukraine ont déposé des demandes d’asile en Roumanie.

    Tennis – La joueuse roumaine de tennis Ana Bogdan (65e WTA), s’est qualifiée aujourd’hui à Cluj dans les demi-finales du tournoi Transylvania. Elle a battu sa compatriote, Jaqueline Cristian (81e WTA) sur le score de 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Ana Bogdan est la troisième roumaine à figurer dans la finale du tournoi de Cluj, après Simona Halep (en 2021) et Gabriela Ruse (en 2023). Aucune des deux n’a pourtant réussi à le remporter. Au doublé féminin, également dans les demi-finales, le duo roumain Jaqueline Cristian/Andreea Mitu a été battu par le double américain Caty McNally/Asia Muhammad.

  • Des volontaires pour l’armée roumaine ?

    Des volontaires pour l’armée roumaine ?

    A la veille d’un véritable marathon électoral en 2024, les politiciens roumains évitent d’évoquer un thème de plus en plus présent dans les analyses militaires et géopolitiques occidentales : celui d’une éventuelle guerre que la Russie pourrait étendre même au-delà des frontières occidentales de l’Ukraine. Ce n’est pourtant pas le cas du chef de l’Etat major de la Défense, le général Gheorghiţă Vlad. Dans une interview récente pour une chaine de radio, il a déclaré que la population roumaine devrait s’inquiéter et que les autorités devraient la préparer pour un scénario tel la guerre. Le chef de l’Etat major a souligné que l’armée roumaine se confrontait à un déficit de personnel inquiétant et que les réservistes étaient tout simplement trop vieux pour combattre en première ligne. Par conséquent, la Roumanie devrait passer une loi permettant aux éventuels volontaires, hommes et femmes de moins de 35 ans, d’apprendre à utiliser une arme ou à se décontaminer. Certains politiciens ont qualifié cet avertissement d’alarmiste et d’incompatible avec la position que le chef militaire de l’armée devrait avoir. Et pourtant, le général Vlad n’a fait que transmettre un message similaire à ceux lancés par son homologue britannique ou par d’autres responsables politiques et militaires occidentaux.

    Aucun projet de loi sur le thème des préparatifs en cas de guerre

    Dans ce contexte, les députés et les sénateurs membres des commissions de défense ont décidé de rencontrer les représentants du ministère de la Défense, a annoncé le président par intérim de la Chambre des Députés, Alfred Simonis. Selon lui, il n’y a aucun risque pour que la Roumanie se voit impliquée dans une guerre et la population doit toujours garder son calme, puisqu’en fin de compte le pays est toujours membre de l’OTAN. Pour autant, cela ne signifie pas que la Roumanie ne devrait être à tout moment prête à répondre à tout scénario possible a ajouté Alfred Simonis. Et à lui de souligner qu’actuellement il n’y a aucun projet de loi sur le thème des préparatifs que la Roumanie devrait entamer en cas de guerre.

    Stage militaire à base de volontariat

    Sur une chaine de télévision, le ministre de la Défense, Angel Tâlvăr, a déclaré que le stage militaire obligatoire était tout simplement hors de question, mais que le ministère de la Défense analysait un stage militaire à base de volontariat. Il a reconnu que l’armée se confrontait à un déficit de personnel après la réduction des effectifs de 320 000 personnes à seulement 80 000. Rien que l’année dernière près de 7 000 personnes ont quitté le système, précise le ministre. C’est pourquoi, il faut constituer des réserves, à partir de militaires volontaires. Selon le ministre Tâlvăr, il existe déjà un projet de loi portant sur la mise en œuvre d’un stage militaire de quelques mois et l’octroi d’une prime à la fin de cette formation. Les participants seraient des personnes âgées de 18 à 35 ans. A l’instar d’autres hauts responsables, le ministre de la Défense a assuré que la Roumanie ne se confrontait pas au danger d’une guerre. Cela ne signifie pourtant pas qu’un Etat sérieux, membre de la plus importante alliance politique et militaire de l’histoire de l’Humanité, ne doit pas faire ce que font d’autres armées alliées, précise encore le général Vlad. Et à lui de mettre en garde sur le fait que les usines roumaines d’armement n’ont toujours pas la capacité de produire des munitions compatibles avec l’armement de l’OTAN que l’armée nationale utilise. (Ştefan Stoca)