Romanian Prime Minister and head of the Social Democratic Party, Marcel Ciolacu, stated on Wednesday that he is against sending Romanian troops to Ukraine.
The statement was made during consultations initiated at the Presidential Palace by acting President Ilie Bolojan with leaders of parliamentary parties and formations to prepare Romania’s position for the extraordinary European Council meeting on March 6 in Brussels.
“No—to sending Romanian troops to Ukraine; Yes—to additional defense funding, but only in the form of investments in the national arms industry and to enhance military mobility (modernization of rail, road, and port infrastructure that could be used under dual-use conditions); Excluding defense expenses from the budget deficit calculation,” said Ciolacu.
According to him, this is the party’s position during the negotiations at the Presidential Palace.
Acting President Ilie Bolojan stated on Tuesday that he invited the parties to consultations because decisions likely to be made at the extraordinary European Council meeting on March 6 will have a direct impact on European foreign policy and defense, requiring action from Romania as well.
Bolojan clarified that the European Council’s agenda will focus on European defense policy, support for Ukraine, and increasing budgets for military spending.
