The Minister of National Defence, Mircea Dusa, met with the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (EDA), Mr. Jorge Domecq, at the Palace of the National Military Club, on Tuesday, April 7.

The talks focused on the preparations for the next European Council Reunion in June, the role of EDA as interface among the defence ministries and the various policies of the European Union that impact this field, consolidating the European defence industry and getting the Romanian defence ministry involved in the projects conducted under the aegis of the Agency.

The two officials also discussed ways of facilitating the access of Small and Middle-Sized Enterprises in the defence industry to the respective markets, to the financial mechanisms of the European Union and involving them in programs of technological research.

Minister Dusa pointed out Romania's involvement in the projects initiated by the Agency, focusing mainly on the development of the military capabilities that cannot be produced in the country. The importance of the multinational cooperation projects under the Pooling and Sharing initiative was stressed out, as a constant concern of the national structures involved in defence planning.

Chief Executive Jorge Domecq appreciated the active involvement of the Romanian defence ministry in EDA projects and emphasized the importance of a high level of competitiveness in the European defence industry which should directly impact the development of the economies and security of member countries.

MoND Press Office