Press Release

With reference to the information recently published in the media regarding a possible withdrawal of approximately 10,000 American soldiers from Romania and Poland, the Ministry of National Defence states that, so far, Romania has not received any official information in this regard from the United States. Thus, we cannot formulate an official position in response to the information circulating in media sources.

We would like to point out that relations between Romania and the United States of America are developed on a solid strategic partnership, based on shared values, mutual trust and a consolidated collaboration of over two decades in key areas, especially regarding regional and Euro-Atlantic security.

All bilateral agreements signed within this framework – including those regulating the US military presence in Romania – are in force, are respected and permanently adapted to security developments in the regional environment.

Our partnership with the US is based on transparency, consultation and good faith, and any major decision regarding the allied military posture is taken in the spirit of cooperation and attachment to the values ​​promoted by the Washington Treaty.

The strategic facilities hosted in military bases on Romanian territory, such as the US forces stationed on a rotational system in the 57th Air Base at Mihail Kogălniceanu or the Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defence System installed in the 99th Deveselu Base, which is integrated into the NATO Missile Defence System, represent clear evidence of the joint Romanian-American commitment to allied collective security.

The modernization and expansion of the 57th Air Base in Mihail Kogălniceanu, with a 2.5 billion Euros investment by the Romanian Government, will turn this location into a strategic hub for NATO in the region, capable of hosting up to 10,000 Romanian and allied military personnel. Romania's investment is structured over 20 years, in a four-stage implementation plan.

Joint military exercises, such as “Sea Shield 25”, currently conducted at the Black Sea and on Romanian territory, an exercise in which the US also participates with air surveillance equipment and staff officers, are an example of Romania’s extensive cooperation with its allies. In fact, several exercises are planned on Romanian territory this year involving US military personnel. The most important exercise is SABER GUARDIAN 25 , planned by USEUCOM.

The presence of the American forces on Romanian territory, supported by significant investments in defence infrastructure, strengthens regional security and deters external threats.

At this moment, more than 1,700 US military personnel are deployed to Romania, mainly in Mihail Kogălniceanu, Deveselu and Câmpia Turzii bases.

Soldiers of the of the US Army’s 101st "Task Force Strike" Airborne Division, 2nd Brigade stationed at the 57th Air Base in Mihail Kogălniceanu replaced, on March 26, those of the 10th "Task Force Patriot" Mountain Division, 3rd Brigade. The 57th Air Base in Mihail Kogălniceanu currently hosts over 1,400 US soldiers.

At the same time, regional defence plans are being implemented according to NATO planning process, and Romania, as host nation, continues to implement its undertaken commitments.

Romania has been one of the first allied countries to raise its defence budget above 2% of GDP, constantly exceeding the commitment to invest a minimum of 20% in modern technology, which demonstrates our firm position to undertake increasingly important security responsibilities.

The Ministry of National Defence will continue to support the importance of the transatlantic relationship and the strategic partnership with the United States and will remain dedicated to strengthening cooperation in the field of defence and security, in which the two sides have  successfully and directly contributed to strengthening collective defence and promoting democratic values ​​in the region.

The Press Office