Romania aims to strengthen ties with Black Sea allies to protect its energy projects and become the European Union’s largest gas producer by 2027, according to a draft national defense strategy released on Wednesday. The strategy highlights the concern over Russian threats, especially with incidents of drones violating Romanian airspace and floating mines affecting vital trade routes in the Black Sea. This sea is essential for transporting grain and oil and involves Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Russia.
The offshore gas project Neptun Deep, co-owned by OMV Petrom and Romgaz, is expected to begin operations in 2027. The national defense strategy for 2025-2030 emphasizes stronger cooperation with Turkey and Bulgaria to safeguard important energy and telecommunications infrastructure. It warns that Russia’s military actions and the militarization of Crimea pose a threat to the region’s security.
The draft strategy, open for public debate for two weeks before parliamentary approval, underscores the significance of Romania’s partnership with the United States. It also discusses addressing risks such as cyber attacks, corruption, and institutional weaknesses, and notes that delays in the EU integration of Moldova and Ukraine may increase security threats for Romania.
With information from Reuters