The Chief of Defence Staff, at the NATO Military Committee and EU Military Committee Meetings

The Chief of Defence Staff, at the NATO Military Committee and EU Military Committee Meetings

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghiță Vlad, participated, on May 19 and 20, in Brussels, in the NATO Military Committee and the European Union Military Committee Meetings, two of the most important consultation and strategic coordination formats at the level of the chiefs of defence of Allied and European Union member states.

During the NATO Military Committee Meeting, the officials focused on strengthening the Alliance's deterrence and defence posture, the preparation of the NATO Summit in Ankara, support for Ukraine, cooperation between NATO and the European Union, as well as recent developments in the international security environment. In his speech, General Gheorghiță Vlad emphasized the importance of accelerating the development of military capabilities, innovation and implementation of new technologies, as well as maintaining the Black Sea region at the center of NATO's strategic concerns.

The Chief of Defence Staff also had bilateral meetings with his Spanish counterpart, Admiral General Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, with General Jennie Carignan, Chief of Defence Staff of Canada, and with the Chief of Defence Staff of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, General Richard Knighton. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation, security developments on the Alliance's Eastern Flank, and the joint contribution to strengthening NATO's defence and deterrence posture.

During the European Union Military Committee Meeting, the officials focused on the European Security Strategy, continued military support for Ukraine, increased defence readiness, the development of the European Union's military command and control structures, as well as security developments in the Middle East. General Gheorghiță Vlad highlighted the need for complementarity between European Union and NATO initiatives, with emphasis on military mobility, resilience and the development of critical capabilities.

Romania reaffirmed its firm support for Ukraine - including through training activities, contributions to Allied and European initiatives, as well as through participation in the training of Ukrainian pilots within the European F-16 Training Center in Romania.

As part of the Brussels meetings, General Gheorghiță Vlad was awarded the "Officier dans l'Ordre de la Couronne de Chêne" distinction, one of the highest decorations of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The award represents a recognition of his contribution to the enhancement of military cooperation relations between Romania and Luxembourg, as well as of mutual support within NATO.

The participation of the Chief of Defence Staff in these meetings reflects Romania's constant commitment to strengthening Euro-Atlantic and European security, developing a credible collective defence, and enhancing cooperation between Allied and partner states.

The Press Office