Defense Minister: “It is not beneficial for Romania to comment on Trump's intentions regarding Greenland. We also benefit from the interaction with the United States and the EU”
The press conference organized by the Minister of National Defense, Radu Miruta, at the ministry headquarters, January 8, 2026. Photo: Inquam Photos / Octav Ganea
The Minister of National Defense, Radu Miruţă (USR), said on Sunday, on Digi24, that it is not “beneficial” for Romania to comment on the intentions of US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland.
Asked if Romania will, at some point, have to choose between Donald Trump and the EU, Miruţă declared that he does not want this to happen.
“I don't want us to do that and then I look, I don't have such a broad spectrum anymore, but I'm starting to narrow it down to Romania only. Romania has benefits for certain components of interaction with the United States and this is happening, just as Romania has benefits for interactions with European states”, said Radu Miruţă, quoted by News.ro.
Also asked if it is okay what Donald Trump wants in relation to Greenland, Miruţă stated that such a comment is not beneficial for Romania.
“I mention and emphasize that, from the perspective of the Minister of Defense in a country called Romania, a comment about what the president of the United States appreciates regarding Greenland is not beneficial to Romania at this moment (…) There are countries that position themselves in one way or another depending on the interests and the extent of the interest that those countries have. Romania also has interests, and Romania's interests are rooted in the United States and France, Germany, Great Britain”, said Miruţă.
“Internationally, the president of Romania is very respected”
Asked if “Romania is at the table” of European leaders, the Minister of Defense said that the current head of state is highly respected internationally.
“I see that, on the international level, the president of Romania is very respected. And trying not to be remotely subjective, he is more respected than the president of Romania was before. The president of Romania is constantly received by Emmanuel Macron. And there are consistent discussions, in some of which I also participate”, said Radu Miruţă, on Sunday, on Digi 24.
The Minister of Defense also explained that, also in the group photos, the current president of Romania “stands in front”.
“The president of Romania was received by the chancellor of Germany, with some substantial discussions. In the pictures, if you want, of the group of European leaders, just look by comparison, I looked, the president of Romania has a place a little more in front than the former president of Romania had. And things in Romania do not change overnight. But what I have learned in politics is that the only guarantee of an agreement is the principle that clothes the man who speaks. In politics, you don't go to the notary to sign a contract with an interlocutor. In politics, you ask yourself whether what we are talking about now will happen and the partner will stick to what you are talking about or not”, declared Radu Miruţă.
