斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所-Romania-and-Black-Sea-security_16页_757kb

Summary of Romania and Black Sea Security

Core Content

The Black Sea region, encompassing six littoral states (Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine) and the South Caucasus and Moldova, is experiencing a rapidly changing security environment. The 2014 events—Russia's takeover of Crimea and the start of the internationalized civil war in eastern Ukraine—marked a significant shift in regional dynamics, leading to increased military activity and a blurring of the lines between peace, crisis, and conflict. The region's transnational connections with the Middle East further complicate the security landscape.

Romania, a NATO and EU member since 2004 and 2007 respectively, has been actively engaged in NATO and EU security initiatives. The country has increased its military spending, modernized its armed forces, and emphasized the strategic importance of the Black Sea in its national security strategy. Despite its active NATO involvement, public interest in defense remains limited.

Main Views and Key Information

Romania's Strategic Position

• Geography: Romania is located in South Eastern Europe with a 256 km coastline on the Black Sea and land borders with Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine.
• Territorial Claims: Claims 12 nautical miles of territorial waters and 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Black Sea, which overlaps with those of Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Russia (particularly around Crimea).
• Economic Interest: The EEZ is expected to contain significant oil and gas reserves, with offshore gas production starting in 2019.

Defence Policy and Strategy

• Post-2014 Shift: The 2014 events significantly influenced Romania's security perception, leading to increased military modernization and NATO integration.
• National Defence Strategy (2015–19): Emphasizes strategic partnership with the USA, strengthening Romania's profile in NATO and the EU, and regional cooperation in South Eastern Europe.
• Threat Perceptions: While official documents do not explicitly label Russia as a threat, they highlight the risks posed by Russia's assertiveness and military buildup in the region.
• Military Spending: Romania increased its military expenditure to 2.0% of GDP in 2017, up from 1.4% in 2016, to support modernization.

Armed Forces Structure and Modernization

• Downsizing: Since the end of the Cold War, the size of the active and reserve forces has been reduced significantly. Romania abolished conscription in 2006, leading to a volunteer-based military.
• Active Personnel (2017): 69,300 active personnel, with the army being the largest component at 36,000.
• Equipment Trends: There has been a notable reduction in tanks, aircraft, and minor warships, while major warships and some air force assets have remained stable.
• Modernization Focus: Increased focus on modernization since 2014, particularly in air force and navy capabilities.

Armed Forces Deployment

• Domestic Focus: Most forces are deployed domestically for conventional defense.
• International Operations: Romania has participated in NATO and EU missions, including in Afghanistan, the Mediterranean, and the Indian Ocean.
• NATO Exercises: Romania regularly hosts or participates in large-scale NATO exercises, such as Saber Guardian and Noble Jump, to enhance interoperability and readiness.
• Multinational Units: Romania is involved in NATO's Forward Presence initiative, particularly in the Tailored Forward Presence (TFP) program, which includes the Multinational Brigade Southeast (MN BDE-SE) based in Craiova.

NATO Integration and Foreign Forces

• US Bases: The USA has access to Romanian bases under a 2005 agreement, and has deployed forces, including combat aircraft and marines, for training and operations.
• NATO Force Integration Unit (NFIU): Established in Bucharest in 2015, the NFIU supports collective defense planning and logistics.
• HQ MND-SE: A multinational division headquarters in Bucharest, operational since 2018, under Romanian command with staff from 14 other NATO states.
• Air Policing: NATO has deployed combat aircraft to Romania for air policing missions, particularly to monitor the situation in Ukraine.

Conclusions

Romania has taken a proactive stance in enhancing its security posture in the Black Sea region, aligning with NATO and the USA to counter perceived Russian aggression. The country has modernized its military, increased spending, and integrated with NATO structures. Despite these efforts, public support for defense remains limited. Romania's role in the TFP program is key, and its military is increasingly involved in multinational exercises and operations. The strategic importance of the Black Sea to Romania's security and economic interests is underscored by its ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and military capabilities.