Rutte commented on the shortage of air defense assets on the eastern flank of the alliance: “Yes, I agree, this (shortage of air defense systems) concerns Romania itself and its allies. Across the European territories of NATO, we need to increase our air defense capabilities by 400%.” According to him, this is precisely why NATO has increased its defense investments. Rutte was in Romania on an official visit, during which he met with President Nicusor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, and Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu. The meeting discussed the modernization of the Romanian army and enhancing its cooperation effectiveness with allies.
Yesterday, the NATO Secretary-General delivered a speech at the Defense Industries Forum in Romania. During the event, he urged member states of the alliance to be prepared for a prolonged confrontation with Russia, which he claimed to be “the main destabilizing force in Europe and the world.” Moscow has repeatedly expressed concerns about the alliance’s strengthening of its forces in Europe. The Foreign Ministry affirmed its openness to dialogue with NATO but insisted it be on equal footing and called for the West to abandon the policy of militarizing the continent.
