Minister Angel Tîlvăr’s meeting with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius

Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, met on Monday, April 28, in Brussels, with Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space.

The discussions aimed at strengthening Romania's preparedness in the field of defence and enhancing European industrial cooperation, in the context of the new legislative package adopted by the European Commission, with strategic relevance for the Union's security.

The two officials analyzed ways of accomplishing the objectives set out in the White Paper for European Defence and discussed the use of the financial support available through the "Readiness 2030" Initiative Package.

In this context, Minister Angel Tîlvăr emphasized the need to make European instruments more flexible in order to facilitate investments in the field of defence and mentioned Romania's intention to activate the derogatory clause stipulated in the Stability and Growth Pact.

The Romanian official also expressed his interest in accessing the funds offered through the SAFE (Safe Action for Europe) instrument in order to develop projects dedicated to land and naval systems, infantry equipment, military counter mobility solutions, and command and control technologies.

"In a dynamic geopolitical context, defence investments represent not only a security necessity, but also an opportunity to strengthen European solidarity. Romania actively undetakes this role, supporting the projects launched by the European Commission," Minister Angel Tîlvăr stated.

Regarding the development of the European defence industry, the Romanian official advocated for an equitable geographical distribution of investments and the stimulation of cross-border collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises. The defence minister also stressed the importance of expanding strategic partnerships with third countries that share European values, in order to strengthen global supply chains of critical raw material.

The two officials also emphasized the importance of accelerating the endorsement the European Defence Industrial Programme (EDIP) Regulation.

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The proposed SAFE regulation, a pillar of the ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030, aims at employing a new financial instrument that will provide Member States with guaranteed loans from the EU budget of up to 150 billion Euros for joint acquisitions of military capabilities.

The Press Office