Nicușor Dan changes the philosophy of national defense and declares Russia the main external threat to Romania: “We want to defend the citizen”
President Nicușor Dan presented the new National Defense Strategy, valid until 2030. Russia is listed as the main external threat and there is talk of intensifying the hybrid war. Domestically, corruption, the rise of populism and the reduced capacity of institutions in the field of civil protection are among the greatest vulnerabilities.
President Nicușor Dan presents the new National Defense Strategy PHOTO presidency.ro
The new National Defense Strategy has at its center a new concept: solidarity independence. What does this mean?
“On the one hand, the actions of the Romanian state should be in the sense of defending and confirming an identity and in this sense in its external relations to defend the interests of Romania. And on the other hand to keep the commitments and all the international partnerships it has”stated the president Nicușor Dan.
According to the head of state, the citizen is placed at the center of the new strategy.
“We don't want to defend the state, but we want to defend the citizen who lives in this state. The question that arises is how much trust does the citizen have in the state and what is his possible willingness to defend it. And here of course I don't know if the answer is the happiest and that is precisely our purpose and part of this strategy, to correct the gap between an advance of society, made on many levels – including economic – and a lagging behind of the public administration by the expectations of this society that has matured in many aspects”
Moreover, the document also specifies that the defense strategy for the next five years proposes a partnership with the Romanian nation.
Russia, the main threat
“We are in the most difficult international security context since the Second World War. (…) The international order of the past is radically modified” write in black and white in the document.
It is also specified that geopolitical instability is doubled by the diminishing capacity of international bodies to apply durable solutions for the cessation of hostilities.
On the other hand, Russia's hostile actions remain the biggest threat to Romania's security. ,,Romania must be prepared to manage the severe dangers created by the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine” write in the strategy.
There is also talk of a possible border with Russia at the Black Sea, which “It would be a direct threat to our security and open the way to an unpredictable evolution“, with a potential effect including on the security of the Republic of Moldova.
Other challenges are represented by Russia's military posture which endangers the security of the Black Sea region and jeopardizes the safety of navigation and the exploitation of energy resources.
It is also specified that it is expected that “The Russian Federation to intensify hybrid actions carried out directly and through intermediaries” including against Romania. Cyber attacks carried out by Russian intelligence and espionage represent “a long-term threat to our country”. Hybrid threats also include fake news.
The terrorist threat, on the other hand, will remain low, the document says.
Russian Armed Forces PHOTO Profimedia
The main vulnerabilities identified in the document
The situation of Romania's military fleet and the lack of purchases of ships and equipment for defense is one of the risks presented in the document. Especially in the context of a “new arms races”.
And in economic terms, Romania could be affected by “Increasingly evident global and regional trends to restrict free trade and access to resources”.
The digitization strategy must be rethought, it is said, according to worldwide technological developments.
“We are no longer in a context where defense capacity is proportional to the economy and defense investments. Whoever fails to make the technological leap that others are making will be penalized much more than before.” said the president Nicușor Dan.
Among the dangers identified are climate changes that can lead to “increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters”.
Corruption is also presented as a risk to national security:
“Corruption deeply undermines the rule of law and affects the effectiveness of institutions and the well-being of the citizen”.
And, very importantly, it is talked about “the reduced capacity of institutions in the field of civil protection, including the adequate response to emergencies and natural disasters or accidents with multiple victims, generates risks”.
Inadequate fiscal policies are also mentioned, as well as the precariousness of education and school dropouts, as well as the lack of critical thinking.
Dysfunctions in key sectors, such as health, education, social and administrative protection, which “can create systemic vulnerabilities”.
Extremism is also mentioned:
“The disruption of the functioning of the rule of law, as a result of socio-economic polarization and the populist, extremist, anti-democratic and anti-European discourse remains a danger for Romania”.
Identified opportunities
Kogălniceanu military base PHOTO Inquam Photos/George Călin
In terms of opportunities, the strategy talks about the effective utilization of European and NATO policies, resources, instruments, as well as strategic partnerships, especially the one with the United States of America. These tools can also be used to increase military capability, the document says.
Through the import-export routes, Romania could become a connectivity center between Europe and Asia.
And ., the development of partnerships between farmers, processors, traders and the academic environment contributes to building a high-performing and sustainable food system”.
The opportunities that can arise with investment in green technologies and renewable energy, but also with accessing EU funds in education and research, are also specified.
And the armaments industry could be an asset, the document says, in the context of the global demand for military products.
Diaspora Romanians are also seen as a huge opportunity.
National defense and security interests and objectives
Preserving independence, defending and strengthening democracy, as well as protecting citizens' rights and freedoms and strengthening the sense of security are the first mentioned in the strategy.
Economic stability, the strengthening of the country's profile, but also the strengthening of the justice system and the systemic fight against corruption are also mentioned.
There is also talk of reducing development gaps between regions and the optimal utilization of natural resources.
It was impossible not to mention the right to education and the right to health of the citizens.
The strategy also includes increasing social cohesion, in relation to extremism and radicalization. In achieving national security, it is said, “citizens have an active, essential and complementary role to that of the authorities”.
External objectives
Among the main external objectives mentioned are:
– Strengthening strategic partnerships, especially the partnership with the United States
– Strengthening Romania's profile within the European Union and NATO
– Supporting the stability and economic development of the Republic of Moldova
– Supporting Ukraine in efforts to resolve the conflict with the Russian Federation and actively participating in the implementation of a just and lasting peace
– Supporting efforts to ensure security and stability in the Western Balkans
– Ensuring the stability of the Black Sea region
– Maintaining the increased attention of NATO and the EU on the Black Sea
– Joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
– Promoting relations with the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus
How Romania proposes to ensure national security
The document talks about updating the legislation on national security, the gradual increase in defense spending up to 5% of GDP and the increase in the operational capacity of the Romanian Army's force structure.
“Increasing the attractiveness of the military profession” and “promoting voluntary military service and developing strategic reserve forces” are also mentioned.
Maintaining and strengthening the presence of NATO allied and partner troops on Romanian territory is also a key point.
Proposed measures to limit corruption
The measures proposed to limit corruption include:
– the integrated approach to the phenomenon
– the involvement of intelligence services in the collection of data documenting possible acts of corruption, but without their interference in the criminal investigation and in the justice process
– correcting the legislative and administrative mechanisms that delay the implementation of the act of justice with regard to corruption.
