Romania’s membership of the North Atlantic Alliance is the strongest guarantee of security, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Friday in a message marking NATO Day and the 21st anniversary of Romania’s accession to the organization.

„The most powerful political-military alliance in the world today celebrates 76 years since the signing of its founding treaty. For 21 years, Romania has been part of this important transatlantic system of collective defence and security. Our country’s status as a member of the North Atlantic Alliance is the strongest guarantee of security, especially in the context of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The citizens of Romania, whose overwhelming will was at the basis of the accession, are today under NATO’s security protection,” Marcel Ciolacu said.

He pointed out that Romania has demonstrated that it is „a strong and reliable ally, committed to Euro-Atlantic principles and values and an important regional security provider”.

„Our country has steadily strengthened its profile within the organization, through active and consistent participation in allied missions, and a distinct role in shaping NATO policies and decisions, including measures to strengthen the deterrence posture. The professionalism and sacrifices of the Romanian military in theaters of operations, for which we are grateful, are respected by both international partners and Romanian citizens. A recognition of the position and merits of our country within the Alliance is also the establishment of the Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense system at Deveselu [Military Base, editor’s note], with the defensive purpose of defending the population, territory and forces of Europe against possible ballistic missile threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area,” the prime minister added.

NATO is the path of security that Romania is firmly pursuing, he emphasized.

He added that in 2025, for the ninth consecutive year, Romania has allocated a minimum of 2% of GDP for defence, with the possibility of increasing it to 2.5% for endowment.

„When establishing this budget, we took into account the security situation near the border, the country’s membership in NATO and EU missions, as well as our objectives to achieve the capability targets, including through the dynamic involvement of the national defence industry,” Ciolacu explained.

The prime minister concluded his message by thanking all those who have contributed to this successful path: military, diplomats, partners and all citizens who believe in Euro-Atlantic values.

„Romania will continue to make a significant contribution to the collective defence of the Euro-Atlantic area, to the improvement of NATO’s capabilities and to the implementation of allied decisions in accordance with the guidelines set out in the new Strategic Concept. Many happy returns to Romania in NATO! Happy Birthday to the North Atlantic Alliance!,” Ciolacu added.

AGERPRES