Prime Minister Luca Niculescu warns that peace is no longer guaranteed and announces three priorities for modernizing the Romanian Army

Prime Minister Luca Niculescu said on Sunday, at the Army Day ceremony held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Carol I Park, that Romania must take the new security threats seriously and invest in defense. He stressed that peace “can no longer be taken for granted,” amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, cyberattacks and hybrid threats.

Having taken office as prime minister just days earlier, Niculescu thanked Romanian troops for the courage and professionalism they have demonstrated both at home and in foreign theaters of operations. The prime minister highlighted the role of those who ensure Romania’s security on a permanent basis: pilots, naval and land forces, cyber defense specialists, and military personnel serving under the flag of Romania, NATO or the European Union.

The government has committed to three priorities in the field of defense: the predictable modernization of the Army through equipment and training adapted to new risks; the strengthening of alliances with NATO, the European Union and the United States; and improving conditions for Romanian military personnel. The prime minister said defense investments must also support Romanian industry through technology transfer, innovation and job creation.