Poland and NATO countries proved that they are prepared and able of responding in real time, President Nicusor Dan stated on Wednesday, referring to the drones which were shot down after entering Polish airspace.

„The procedure was a classic one. Article 4 from the NATO treaty talks about consultation. It was absolutely necessary for that to happen. It happened today, immediately after the incident. From Romania’s perspective, it is obvious we must stand in solidarity with Poland and I express that directly. And I participated in this consultation, which will continue. Poland and NATO countries proved that they are prepared and capable of responding in real time,” the President told TVR1 national television station.

He highlighted the fact that the drones entered dozens of kilometers into Polish territory. In contrast, the drones which fell in Romania were very close to the border, the President mentioned.

„It has happened before for drones to fall, including on our soil, three or four times, very, very close to the border. But this time, it was about some drones which entered dozens of kilometers into Polish territory. This hasn’t happened before. (…) Poland and its allies – and this is very important, because in this security context, it is important to have allies – Poland and its allies shot down a significant part of this drones,” Nicusor Dan stated.

He mentioned that if Romania were to face a similar situation, our country, supported by its allies, would have a similar reaction.

„Romania is a NATO state. Within NATO, there are some procedures. (…) Romania is prepared to enforce these procedures with the appropriate equipment. Therefore, there is no reason for concern,” President Dan said.

In respect to the law enabling the Army to shoot down drones, Nicusor Dan underscored that the corresponding procedures have been „well” defined.

„The law cleared Parliament and, afterwards, the CSAT [Romania’s Supreme Council for National Defence] clarified it. It is clear. In the event of a situation similar to the one in Poland, it is clear who intervenes, who gives the order. Everything is absolutely clear. There is no need for anything else,” Nicusor Dan mentioned.

The head of state added that, in the context of the war in Ukraine, Europe „has understood that it must complete its military equipment and balance the security relationship with the US” regarding the European continent.

„Obviously, it is not pleasant to spend money for the national defence budget instead of directing it to education or health, or culture. But it is a cost for security. And anything is better than war. Thus, we are aligned and part of this gradual programme to enhance the equipment of each member state, both in terms of interoperability and the possibility to assist each other in case of a potential aggression,” Nicusor Dan also said.

AGERPRES