Oana Țoiu, for the BBC: Romania supports maintaining and expanding the American military presence in the country

Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu told the BBC that Romania supports maintaining the current U.S. military presence and, potentially, expanding it, as the United States evaluates the deployment of troops in Europe. Bucharest considers the U.S. presence an essential deterrent in the region amid the war in Ukraine.

Țoiu said Romania is discussing the future of the military presence with NATO allies and its American strategic partner. According to the minister, the objective also includes transitioning from a rotational presence to a permanent one.

A key argument is the long-term investment at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base. The military infrastructure is covered by a plan estimated at approximately four billion euros, indicating a lasting strategic commitment by Romania and the North Atlantic Alliance.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, the foreign minister said Bucharest is discussing the steps needed to achieve peace with both Ukrainian and American officials. Romania supports European coordination on sanctions and negotiations and says it has observed positive signals from Ukraine.