Minister of Defense, Ștefan Radu Oprea, calls for strengthening prevention and response capabilities amid risks in the Black Sea region

Defense Minister Ștefan Radu Oprea said Sunday, on Romanian Army Day, that the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the security risks in the Black Sea region require strengthening prevention and response capabilities. The official emphasized that Romania must be prepared to respond both to immediate threats and to long-term challenges.

In his message, the minister evoked the significance of October 25, when, 82 years ago, the liberation of the city of Carei marked the Romanian Army’s completion of the fighting to liberate the national territory under occupation. He presented the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers of that period as benchmarks for current generations.

Ștefan Radu Oprea thanked the military personnel and civilian staff of the Army, their families, as well as veterans. According to the minister, modernizing the institution requires high-performance equipment, training, and specialists capable of using new technologies.

Romanian soldiers contribute to national security through missions carried out at home and abroad, alongside NATO allies and European partners. The minister also said that personnel must be provided with good training and working conditions, while young people interested in a military career should be offered professional prospects based on competence, initiative, and results.