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PNL calls on PSD to withdraw its allegations regarding SAFE and warns of risks to national defense and European commitments

Riana Gegiu

6 November 2026, 14:00

Politics

Foto" Facebook/ Partidul Naţional Liberal

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The National Liberal Party is calling on PSD and Minister Mihai Ghigiu to withdraw their allegations regarding the SAFE Program and statements concerning the renegotiation of contracts that have already been signed, which it says could result in penalties and affect investment in national defense. The position was conveyed on November 6, 2026, in a statement issued by the PNL Press Office.

The Liberals say that SAFE represents a strategic commitment of the Romanian state, not a project of a political party or a minister. PNL maintains that PSD took part in the institutional approval process, including through its representatives on the Supreme Council of National Defense, and supported the program in the relevant parliamentary bodies.

According to the statement, the implementation framework was established through Emergency Ordinance No. 62/2025. The interinstitutional working group was established on November 21, 2025, the plan was approved by the Supreme Council of National Defense on November 24, through Decision No. 138, and submitted to the European Commission on November 28. Subsequently, Romania's plan was included among those approved at European level.

PNL states that the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Internal Affairs established the equipment requirements, the Ministry of Economy managed industrial cooperation, and the interinstitutional group analyzed the projects and documentation. The party calls on Parliament, the Government, and the president to support the program's implementation and warns that unfounded changes could affect Romania's credibility in its relations with European partners.

Context: before the PNL accusations, SAFE was discussed in Parliament and at the institutional level, including through warnings about costs and new partnerships

Previously, Minister of Defense Radu Oprea warned that purchases made through the SAFE Program could become “very expensive” if Romania did not simultaneously develop industrial capabilities for maintenance, repairs, and production, otherwise remaining dependent on external suppliers for equipment maintenance.

At the same time, the Ministry of National Defense also announced cooperation with Poland במסגרת SAFE: Romania and Poland signed a letter of intent in Bucharest for collaboration on joint projects, including the acquisition of a loitering-munition strike system, considered eligible for funding through the SAFE mechanism. At the European level, the Commission prepared a new SAFE round that is to be opened to all 27 EU member states, with just over 21 billion euros in remaining resources, and the instrument is also expected to allow countries that did not initially request loans to participate.