Romania could soon deploy troops to protect citizens abroad

7 months ago 34

Romania could soon deploy troops to safeguard Romanian citizens beyond its borders, according to draft provisions, which, if adopted, would amend the national defence law.

The amendment proposal, which also addresses so-called ‘hybrid threats’, has been open to public debate and may be subject to changes once it reaches the parliament.

If adopted, the new provisions would give Romania’s president the power to order “necessary measures to protect Romanian citizens in danger beyond the country’s borders”, on a proposal from the prime minister – filling a gap as Romania currently lacks a mechanism for providing military protection to its citizens abroad.

However, the amendment bill does not specify whether provisions are to extend to dual nationals like dual Romanian-Moldovan citizens – a group that has grown significantly following the programme initiated by former Romanian president Traian Băsescu.

Over a million Moldovans may hold Romanian citizenship, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said last month, admitting she lacked official data to support her claim.

“The statistics are held by Romanian institutions. I’ve heard a figure of one million,” Sandu said in an interview with Digi24 television channel.

The amendment also addresses the issue of countering hybrid threats – a first for Romanian legislation.

Parliament may authorise “the deployment of military or non-military resources inside or outside the territory of Romania to counter hybrid threats”, following a proposal by the President and in consultation with the country’s Supreme Defence Council, the bill states.

The bill also proposes the creation of a new body, the National Military Command Centre (CNMC), to coordinate and manage all defence forces, including NATO troops stationed in Romania.

It also emphasises the importance of integration and cooperation between the Romanian armed forces and those of NATO and the European Union.

(Catalina Mihai | Euractiv.ro)