Romanian President-elect confirms willingness to increase defense spending

Romanian President-elect Nicusor Dan has confirmed that Romania will continue to help Ukraine and is ready to increase defense spending to achieve new NATO goals, despite a record budget deficit. He said this on May 22 in an interview with the Financial Times newspaper.

"He said that Romania is ready to increase its defense spending and achieve the new NATO target of 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% for infrastructure and cybersecurity proposed by Secretary General of the defense organization Mark Rutte," the publication says.

Dan also stated that Romania will continue to participate in European assistance programs for Ukraine. In the interview, the president stressed that the country "has made a clear choice as a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO."

Dan also noted that Romania will have to cut costs by €6 billion this year. At the same time, as the head of state noted, the republic will strive for a budget deficit of 7.5% of GDP.

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On May 21, Dan stated that he wants to maintain partnership with the United States and support European efforts to strengthen European security. He also stressed that he was ready to increase Romania's defense spending.