04/05/2024 – Translated from Ukrainian via Google and OFP
On April 2, the media reported that the Romanian Ministry of National Defense had submitted a draft law on national defense for public discussion. In particular, we are talking about an adequate response to new hybrid threats to the state security of Romania.
Romania is preparing to use military forces outside its national territory
According to this law, countering threats, covering both military and non-military aspects, on the territory of Romania or outside its borders will be carried out on the recommendation of the President and the approval of the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) of the country. It also proposes the use of new approaches to ensuring the security of the state: “The President of Romania, at the proposal of the Prime Minister, may order the adoption of the necessary measures to protect Romanian citizens who are in danger outside the national territory.”
In fact, the new law, if successfully adopted, will allow intervention outside the country’s territory. It should be noted that we are talking not only about the deployment of troops, but also other types of intervention to counter hybrid threats to national security. In addition, the draft new law provides that in the event of mobilization or during an armed conflict, so-called protection forces can be created, which should include both the Romanian armed forces and other protection forces, in particular the police, border police and the General Inspectorate for emergency situations. At the same time, it is proposed to create a new structure called the National Military Command Center (CNMC), which will be responsible for the coordination and management of all defense forces, including NATO troops stationed in Romania.
Romania is emerging as a forward NATO outpost in the face of the Russian threat
It should be mentioned that Romania previously allowed the deployment of high-readiness NATO forces on its territory in the event of serious threats, which President Klaus Iohannis informed the parliament about in a letter. As part of this decision, NATO will be able to deploy joint rapid response task forces on Romanian territory in the event of a security crisis that threatens the national independence and sovereignty of the state.
In addition, at the end of February, the National Defense Council agreed on “measures to strengthen the Romanian armed forces” in response to threats of Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory near the Romanian border.
Romania has grounds to protect its citizens on the territory of Moldova
One can note the determination and foresight of the military-political leadership of Romania, which clearly and adequately understands the seriousness of Russian threats both on its borders and on the territory of neighboring Moldova. In fact, in parallel with Russia’s openly destructive actions in the unrecognized Transnistria and its influence on the upcoming elections in Moldova, Romania is already preparing to act proactively.
At one time, the country simplified the acquisition of citizenship for those whose ancestors lived on the territory of the Kingdom of Romania, and many citizens – residents of Moldova, as well as bordering Ukrainian regions, took advantage of this opportunity. Therefore, already at a formal, purely legal level, Romania has reason to declare, in the event of a security crisis, the need to protect its citizens on the territory of Moldova. It is in this format that the new initiatives of the Romanian government should be considered.
Bucharest is seriously thinking about unification with Moldova
Even more interesting is the recent (April 4) statement by Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu that he supports the idea of unifying Romania with Moldova, which could take place within the EU.
In his opinion, such a unification of countries can happen either within the European Union or in some other way, but this requires the desire of the citizens of Moldova.
“I also support the union of the Republic of Moldova with Romania… I still believe in the unification of the Republic of Moldova and Romania. That this will be done within the EU or that we will find another way…” said the Prime Minister. At the same time, the head of the Romanian government added that Moldova should take the initiative in the matter of potential unification.
Thus, we can conclude that the countries of the so-called eastern flank of NATO, that is, the former countries – “prisoners of the socialist camp”, quite adequately imagine the level of the Russian threat. With the exception of openly pro-Russian Hungary and, more recently, Slovakia, from the Baltics to Bulgaria there is an understanding of the need not only for stable support for Ukraine, but also for ensuring one’s own security and national interests.
Therefore, the potential military participation of Romania in ensuring security on the territory of Moldova is very useful for Ukraine, which is forced to maintain a certain number of armed forces on the border with the unrecognized Transnistria. In general, the North Atlantic Alliance should long ago think about creating the basis for the formation and use of a more powerful contingent capable of not only containing the threat from Russian borders, but also becoming the basis of peacekeeping forces for the future security of Ukraine.
“Therefore, the potential military participation of Romania in ensuring security on the territory of Moldova is very useful for Ukraine, which is forced to maintain a certain number of armed forces on the border with the unrecognized Transnistria.”
If Ukraine invaded Transnistria, those troops could be used in other regions once the mafia enclave has been destroyed.
Another solution would be for Romania and Moldova to unite.
Perhaps Romania might go into Transnistria to protect Romanian speakers. Mafia land can’t complain as it isn’t a part of their country.
That would be a very welcome development.