Black Sea Security and strengthening European Defence on the meeting agenda between the Romanian defence leadership and the Chairman of the EU Military Committee

On Thursday, 22 October, Minister of National Defence, Ștefan-Radu Oprea, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad, met at the MoND headquarters with General Seán Clancy, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, during his official visit to Romania.

 

The discussions focused on developments in the regional security environment, particularly the threats arising from the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, drone incidents in the Black Sea region, and the need to strengthen European defence capabilities.

 

The Minister of National Defence stressed the importance of developing surveillance, early warning, and air defence capabilities, as well as strengthening EU - NATO cooperation to enhance the ability to prevent and respond to current threats.

 

“The security situation in the Black Sea region is complex, marked by drone attacks near Romania’s border and unauthorized incursions into national airspace, requiring stronger defence capabilities and regional cooperation. In this context, alongside other measures, it is important to make the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub operational to enhance security and coordination in the region. At the same time, we continue to invest in defence. These investments must address both the Romanian Armed Forces’ need for modern military equipment and the need to integrate the national defence industry into this process by developing component manufacturing capabilities, strengthening strategic autonomy and creating new jobs,” Minister Ștefan-Radu Oprea stated.

 

For his part, General Gheorghiță Vlad highlighted the need to adapt military training, equipment and procedures to evolving threats by capitalizing on  lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, particularly regarding unmanned systems and countermeasures against them.

 

Another topic addressed was Romania’s contribution to the European Union’s efforts to maintain regional security and stability, including through the participation of Romanian military personnel in EU missions and operations.

 

The meeting reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to strengthening European defence in complementarity with NATO’s efforts.

 

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The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the highest military body within the European Union Council and is made up of the Chiefs of Defence of the Member States. It provides military advice and recommendations on the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, including capability development and planning and conducting military missions and operations.

 

General Seán Clancy, former Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, took office as Chairman of the European Union Military Committee in 2025.

The Press Office