Parliament approves National Defence Strategy of Romania

  Parliament adopted on Wednesday in a joint sitting the Decision approving the National Defence Strategy for 2025-2030.There were 314 votes in favour, 43 against and 3 abstentions.Within the presentation of the National Defence Strategy in Parliament, President Nicusor Dan referred to the threats outlined in the Strategy."We are seeing attacks on critical infrastructure in multiple places, including close to us," he said.In this context, Nicusor Dan evoked "the war next door and the hybrid war that Russia is waging against Romania and many European countries, cyberattacks, coordinated disinformation campaigns and the impact of these pressures on democracy and the rule of law."Moreover, he also showed that corruption is mentioned as a threat in the National Defence Strategy.The Strategy's drafting process had a strong interinstitutional character, with contributions from all the institutions in charge of the security and defence area, as well as representatives/ opinion leaders from civil society, think tanks and the academia. The consolidated draft of the Strategy was made publicly available, making it the first National Defence Strategy to undergo this stage, according to the document presented to Parliament's Joint Bureaux.Furthermore, the document also shows that the strategy reflects the vision of a modern and secure Romania, enjoying peace and its unique benefits, a state built around its citizens, serving their fundamental rights and freedoms, with modern, transparent and integral institutions dedicated solely to serving the public good.The key concept of the Strategy is solidary independence, as a strategic requirement and an imperative for action across security and diplomacy components, the document adds. In this light, against the backdrop of the most challenging international security context since World War II, Romania chooses to address current security challenges while pursuing its national interests in full solidarity with its partners and allies.Chapter 1 - "Principles of the Defence Strategy" presents Romania's vision on ensuring national security in a global environment, marked by instability, conflict and strategic competition, the key concept of solidary independence is defined as a strategic autonomy exercised in full solidarity with NATO and EU partners and allies, and lists fundamental values - the rule of law, democracy, civil liberties, institutional responsibility, pragmatism, efficiency, predictability and integrity.Chapter 2 - "Assessment of the global security context" analyses the major trends up to 2030 and highlights the regional challenges affecting Romania (Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the instability in the Black Sea and Western Balkans regions), politico-military tensions, hybrid and cyber risks, the economic effects of trade wars and the energy transition.Chapter 3 - "Threats and risks to the state and the Romanian citizen. Vulnerabilities and opportunities" where direct threats are identified, internal risks assessed and opportunities highlighted - strengthening Romania's role in NATO and the EU, modernising the Defence, developing the defence industry, fostering technological innovation, leveraging energy potential and enhancing strategic positioning in the region.Chapter 4 - "National interests and objectives of defence and security" which defines national security interests, such as the defence of sovereignty and territorial integrity, protection of citizens, institutional resilience, strengthening democracy, economic prosperity, and energy and food security; this chapter also sets strategic objectives - enhancing defence capabilities and crisis preparedness, reinforcing social cohesion and national resilience, strengthening Romania's role in NATO, the EU and strategic partnerships, securing borders, critical infrastructure and cyberspace.Chapter 5 - "Lines of action for ensuring national security and Romania's defence" stipulates, among other measures, the modernisation and development of the Romanian Army, strengthening the national crisis management system, reinforcing public order and crime prevention, ensuring economic energy and food security and that of the supply chains.In the last chapter, "Concluding considerations," the Strategy reiterates the Romanian state's commitment to national security, protecting the citizen and strengthening the active participation within NATO and the EU, it also underscores the importance of an integrated approach and the mobilisation of all state institutions and society to address security challenges and confirms the Strategy's adaptive and forward-looking nature, geared toward long-term safety, prosperity and stability.  (Photo:https://www.presidency.ro/)