MEP Victor Negrescu has proposed a series of strategic defense measures that Romania should consider in the coming period in order to remain a relevant actor and a factor of stability and security in the region.

“Romania can become a regional hub for security and innovation if we act now, boldly and coherently,” emphasized the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Victor Negrescu.

In this context, Victor Negrescu highlighted the importance of Romania’s position within the Alliance’s security architecture, given its proximity to the war launched by Russia in Ukraine, calling for clear and firm decisions:

• Keeping the Black Sea a priority for NATO
• Maintaining US military presence in Romania and increasing NATO’s footprint
• Turning military investments into economic development and security for citizens

NATO member state leaders, meeting in The Hague at a summit critical for the future of Euro-Atlantic security, decided to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. The allocations foresee 3.5% for core defense requirements, while the remaining 1.5% of GDP will be dedicated to investments in strategic infrastructure, research, and cybersecurity.

“The NATO Summit is not just about diplomats and maps. It is about our future, about how we defend ourselves, but also about how we invest smartly in Romania. One of the objectives should be to diversify priorities to include military hospitals, base modernization, job creation, and the involvement of Romanian companies in the industry,” urged the MEP.

In his capacity as the European Parliament’s chief negotiator for the 2025 EU budget, he recommended clear lines of action for “smart investments” in Romania’s security and, by extension, that of the Alliance:

• Every euro invested in defense should generate “direct benefits for Romanians”
• Accessing all available European funding opportunities for defense, infrastructure, and digital transition, including resources from the SAFE program, the European Peace Facility, InvestEU, or innovation mechanisms
• Expanding Romania’s economic presence in NATO production chains, from IT to construction, from logistics to cybersecurity
• Maintaining a balance between Romania’s responsibilities within NATO and protecting citizens from social crises or conflicts.