State Secretary for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations, Simona Cojocaru, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, met with the Chairman of the EU Military Committee, General Robert Brieger, on Thursday, March 21, at the Ministry of National Defence headquarters.

The meeting agenda focused on the assessment of the security situation in the Black Sea region and the Western Balkans, the participation of the Romanian armed forces in missions and operations under the aegis of the Common Security and Defence Policy, respectively on the assessment of the status and priorities with regard to European Union's military capabilities development.

State Secretary emphasized the important role of the European Union in the current security context. 'Strengthening EU's security and defence in a complementary manner with NATO, will positively contribute to the Euro-Atlantic and global security. Romania actively contributes both to the missions and operations in the Western Balkans and Africa, as well as to the European initiatives in the field of defence', Mrs. Simona Cojocaru stated.

The Chairman of the EU Military Committee highlighted our country's contribution to the European collective security, as well as the efforts made within the various initiatives of the Strategic Compass. General Robert Brieger said the visit had provided an opportunity to address pressing issues and share visions on actions and steps taken to consolidate Europe's deterrence and defence posture.

The Chief of Defence Staff stated that, currently, the Romanian Armed Forces participate with 400 soldiers and 50 vehicles in EU military operations. In October 2023, I took over the military command of the training mission in the Central African Republic. Next year, we will take over the command of EU forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We continue to support the EU initiatives in the field of defence and security. From the 23 projects undertaken under the Structured Permanent Cooperation, the Romanian Armed Forces assumed the coordinating role for two projects, EU Network of Diving Centers and CBRN Defence Training Range', General Gheorghita Vlad stated.

The visit agenda of the Chairman of the EU Military Committee also included giving a lecture on 'Geopolitical Challenges and the Strategic Compass' at Carol I National Defence University, on March 22. The events took place in the context of the high official's visit to Romania paid over March 21-22, at the invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff.

* * *

The European Union Military Committee, the military forum in the field of Common Security and Defence Policy, is made up of the chiefs of defence of the member states which, after having harmonized the national positions, propose courses of action for European security.

The Press Office