Romanian Parliament approves defense contracts worth €8 billion under the SAFE program

The Romanian parliament has approved defense contracts worth €8.33 billion under the pan-European Security Actions for Europe (SAFE) program. This was announced on April 29 by the country's Defense Minister Radu Mirut.

"This project will serve to protect the Romanian army from the risk of political instability," Reuters quoted Miratu as saying.

It is noted that the financing of the program was under threat amid the political crisis following the withdrawal of the Social Democratic Party from the ruling coalition.

It is specified that within the framework of the SAFE program, the European Union (EU) provides countries with access to preferential long-term loans, totaling € 150 billion.

Romania, according to the agency, may receive up to €16.6 billion in the period from 2026 to 2030 and intends to direct funds to the development of defense production in the country. Part of the financing is planned to be used for the purchase of helicopters and radars, as well as the development of transport infrastructure with Moldova and Ukraine.

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New developments may change the balance of power in different regions.

On March 12, Polish leader Karol Nawrocki decided to veto the law on Warsaw's receipt of a loan for the purchase of weapons under the EU's SAFE militarization program. In January, the European Commission (EC) approved the allocation of €44 billion to Poland for the purchase of weapons.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed on April 23 that the surge of militarism in Europe towards Russia requires Moscow to take measures to protect the country's interests.