ROMANIA

THEPRESIDENTIALADMINISTRATION

 

 

 

NATIONALDEFENSESTRATEGY

2015‐2019

AStrongRomaniawithinEuropeandtheWorld

 

 

BUCHAREST

‐2015‐

 

.  

2

TABLEOFCONTENTS:

TABLEOFCONTENTS: 2

FOREWORD 3

INTRODUCTION 5

ChapterI:DEFININGNATIONALSECURITYINTERESTSANDOBJECTIVES 7

1.1.Valuesandprinciples...............................................................................................7

1.2.Nationalsecurityinterests....................................................................................8

1.3.Nationalsecurityobjectives..................................................................................9

ChapterIV:LINESOFACTIONANDMAINWAYSTOENSUREROMANIA’SNATIONALSECURITY 17

4.1.Premises.......................................................................................................................17

4.2.Linesofactionandmainwaystoensurenationalsecurity..................18

4.2.1.Thedefensedimension..................................................................................18

4.2.2.Thepublicorderdimension........................................................................19

4.2.3.Theintelligence,counterintelligenceandsecuritydimension....19

4.2.4.Theeconomicandenergeticdimension................................................20

4.2.5.Thediplomaticdimension...........................................................................21

4.2.6.Thecrisismanagementdimension..........................................................21

4.2.7.Theeducational,healthcare,socialanddemographicdimension..........................................................................................21

FINALCONSIDERATIONS 23

 

 

 

 

 

.  

3

 

 

FOREWORD

Since taking oath in office as President of Romania, I have expressed my will andcommitmenttoensureRomania’sassertionasastrongnationofcitizens,fullyawareofwhatitstrivesforinEurope,intheworldandforitself.Mybeliefstandsfirm.Theforceofanationderives from its common values, objectives and aspirations which transcend the sum ofind biividualinterests,am tionsandachievements.

Romania’s national defense strategy is the clear‐cut expression of this vision.A strongRomaniawithin Europe and theworld is the clearest expression of the Strategy’s finalobjective, and defines the profile that our country will build in the next five years and,implicitly,inthelongterm.

First of all, a strongRomaniawithinEurope and theworld isastate thatensures thesecurityofitscitizenswherevertheyare.Thisstatementincludesmanyaspects.Ensuringcitizens’ security means respecting them at home, protecting their rights and libertiesnationallyandabroad,actuallymakingtheinstitutionsworkforthecitizens`benefit(astheyaremeant tobe), aswell asproviding security for their communities, legal guarantees anddip tloma icprotectionabroad.

Thisgoal canonlybeachieved throughconstant connectionwith field realities, throughcontinuousfactualassessmentandthroughunderstandingofphenomenaandchallengesthatdefinethepresentsituation.Asaresult,astrongRomaniaisastatethatwilldevelopitsowncapacitytoefficientlyandpragmaticallyoperatewithinadifferentparadigm,abletorespondtonewrealitiesandtoanticipateevolutionsofthesecurityenvironment.AcknowledgingthechangesthathaveoccurredoverthepastyearsinthegeopoliticalenvironmentrepresentsthefirstnecessarystepinbuildingaStrategythatiswell‐anchoredinreality,whichidentifiesthemostappropriatelinesofaction.

Secondly,astrongRomaniadefendsitscorevalues,interestsandsymbols,nationalassetsand natural resources, as well as its institutions. Priority must be given to education andhealthcare, to heritage and environment protection, as well as to support of areas ofexcellence.

Last,butnotleast,astrongRomaniasupportsthepreservationofcollectivesecurityandthepromotionofdemocracyandfreedom.

This implies that Romaniawill reinforce its strategic credibility,will be known for itspredictableandconstantstanceondefiningitsforeign,securityanddefensepolicies,aswellasonstrengtheningdemocracyandtheruleoflaw.AstrongRomanianotonlybenefitsfromthecompletetrustofitspartners,butalsoprovidesconfidence,stabilityinanintricateregion,andsolidrespectfordemocraticvaluesandprinciples.

.  

More than10yearshavepassedsinceRomania’sNATOaccessionand8yearssinceourcountry’sEUaccessionasa full‐fledgedmember.Theroadthatwehavepursuedsincethendeservesproperacknowledgmentandappreciation.Romaniahaschangedduringthisperiod,and the National Defense Strategy intends to reassert, with utmost responsibility, theirreversible feature of this path and of its implicit commitments. The Strategic Partnershipwith the United States of America and the NATO and EU memberships represent the keypillarsofourforeignpolicy.BuildingstrongRomaniaisalsocloselylinkedtothesepillars.

4

* *          * 

TheNationalDefenseStrategy fallsunder theprerogativesof thePresidentofRomania.Thisdocumentisn’tandmustn’trepresentthewillofasoleperson,evenifthatpersonholdsthehighestofficewithin thestate,nor thewillof several institutions.TheNationalDefenseStrategyismorethanthat. Itaimstomeetsociety’sneedsandexpectationsand itconcernseachcitizen,thesocietyasawhole,aswellasstateinstitutions.Thus,drawinguptheNationalDefenseStrategyinvolvedseveralconsultationswithexperts,politicalfactors,representativesoft wheinstitutions ithattributionsinthisfield,membersofAcademiaandcivilsociety.

I have always believed that national security policy (through all its elements),must besubject to dialogue and consensus throughout Romanian society. As President,mymissionandresponsibilityistointegrateforeignandsecuritypoliciesinordertodefendandpromoteournationalinterests.

  

 

 

 

.  

5

INTRODUCTION

1.AccordingtotheprovisionsoftheConstitutionofRomaniaandtheLawno.473/2004ondefenseplanning,Romania’sNationalDefenseStrategy(hereinafter,theStrategy)representsthemain instrument that substantiates defense planning at national level and ensures thestrategic framework for the whole organization and coordination of the related to thecount sry’sdefen eandnationalsecurity,throughtheSupremeCouncilofNationalDefense.

2. Through its objectives and content, the Strategy refers to the country’s defense andnational security as a whole. Paradigm changes that occurred in the concept of country’sdefense and national security, related to the increasingly unpredictable dynamics of thesecurity environment, inflict the need to reanalyze the concept and, in the immediateprospect,toupdatethenationallegalframework.

3. The Strategy reflects the need to promote an extensivenational securityconcept –grounded on constitutional democracy and mutual respect between state and citizens –regarding interests related to ensuring national security in the following fields: defense(perceived in a double normative stance of national defense and collective defense), publicorder, intelligence, counterintelligence and security activity, education, healthcare, theeconomicfield,thefinancialsector,environmentandcriticalinfrastructure.TheStrategyhasan integrativeandmultidimensionalapproach,whereby thedefensedimensionmergesandmutually balances along other dimensions – public order; intelligence, counterintelligenceands e graphy.ecurityactivity;diplomacy;crisismanagement;education,healthcareandd mo

4. The need to extend the concept of national security is also motivated by ensuringconvergencewith theEuropeansecurityprinciples, developed in theEuropeanSecurityStrategy and the European Union`s Internal Security Strategy, in which security anddevelopmentaredefinedasdirectlyproportional.Inaddition,theextensionoftheconceptofnational security aims to ensure increased resilience of state institutions and civil societyagainst possible, fortuitous or persistent, crisis situations in an unpredictable internationalsecurityenvironmentandwithinanintricatesecuritycontext.

5.IndrawingupthenewStrategywemusttakeintoconsiderationthechangeofparadigmatglobal level.Romania lies inaregionthatwasdefined fora long timeby thepresenceoffrozenconflicts.Today, theregion ismarkedbyactiveconflictsandthedeteriorationof therelations between NATO and the Russian Federation. Also, the presence of conflict areaswithi stheissueoftheRomaniancitizens’securityntheregionraise .

6. At global level, terrorism has acquired new dimensions, being far from a distantphenomenon, but rather close to our space. Romanian citizens can be affected by theconsequencesof terrorist acts.Theeconomic and financial crisishas in turn contributed tothisparadigmchange,anditseffectsarefeltinthelongter .

7. Romania is crossing a period where multiple risks, threats and vulnerabilitiessometimes intersect and at times overlap, giving rise to unforeseeable effects not only at

m

.  

natio

6

nalorregionallevel,butalsoatgloballevel.

8.Nationalsecuritycannotbeensuredindividuallybyasolestate,thenewchallengesofthe security environment require effective and efficient collaboration within internationalcooperationmechanismsandformats.

9. In order to responsibly manage the impact of such strategic surprises, beyondknowledge of evolutions in the security environment, national cohesion and consensus areneededmorethaneverinfacingvitalissuesforourcountry.

10.Inordertosecurenecessaryresourcesinthesecurityfield,astrongmarketeconomyisrequired,basedonfreeinitiativeandtransparentcompetition.

11. The strategy aims to set forth the necessary steps for strengthening Romania’sstrategiccredibility,bypromotingcontinuityandpredictabilityderivedfromourNATOandEUmembershipstatute.TheextensionandconsolidationoftheStrategicPartnershipwiththeUnitedStatesofAmerica andof other strategicpartnerships are alsonecessary, alongwiththoseofcooperationrelationswiththeotherinternationalplayers.

12.Fromthisperspective,objectivesandlinesofactionregardingnationalsecurityaimatthe consolidation of military and national civil capacities by standards that allow theprevention,deterrence,anddefenseagainstanyaggressiveactionstargetingourcountry.Ofequal importance are Romania’s active participation in collective defense within NATO, inimplementing the solidarity and mutual assistance clause under the provisions of theEuropeanUnionLisbonTreaty,aswellasindevelopingtheEuropeanCommonSecurityandDefense Policy, and the operations related to ensuring the European space of freedom,securityandjustice.

13.TheStrategydefinesnationalsecurityinterestsandobjectives,presentsanevaluationof the security environment, identifies themain threats, risks andvulnerabilities related toRomania’s fundamental interestsand laysout themain linesofaction forensuringnationalsecurity.

14.The Strategy represents amoral andpoliticalduty, taking into considerationthat the centennialof theUnionof theRomanianPrincipalitieswillbe celebrated in2018,andthefactthatin2019,forthefirsttime,RomaniawilltakeoverthepresidencyofTheCounciloftheEuropeanUnion,morethanadecadesinceitsEUaccession.

.  

7

ChapterI

DEFININGNATIONALSECURITYINTERESTSANDOBJECTIVES

1.1.Valuesandprinciples

15.AsaEuropeancountryandEUandNATOmember,Romaniaisademocraticandsocialstateof law,whichsharesthesamecorevaluesastheothermemberstates:humandignity,civil rights and liberties, free development of the humanpersonality, justice and pluralism,andequalityunderthelaw.

16.Indefiningnationalsecurityinterestsandobjectives,theStrategyisgroundedonthefollowingvalues:

dignity,viewedasahumanbeing’sessentialattribute;

civic cohesion and assertion of national identity, as commonaspirationsofthecommunityofcitizensunitedwithinthestate;

constitutional democracy and the rule of law, namely participativepolitical culture, political pluralism, separation and balance of statepowers,guaranteeingfundamentalcivilrightsandliberties,andrespecttowardsconstitutionalandlegalprovisions;

Romania’sstateandterritorialintegrity,basedoncitizens’andpublicinstitutions’loyaltytowardsnationalsovereignty.

17. In order to promote these values, the Strategy is based on respecting the followingprinciples:

continuity, aprinciple thatderives fromtheneed forcoherentpoliciesthrough which Romania builds its future and integrates within theEuropean and Euro‐Atlantic community. Thus, maintaining the samevision and lines of cooperationwithinNATO, EuropeanUnion and ourstrategic partnerships, mainly the strategic partnership with the US,provides Romania with the conditions required to increase its conflictprevention and crisis management capacity, as well its operationalthreat‐respons ae cap city;

predictability, in drawing up and implementing national securitypolicies internally and at a foreign policy level,while firmly respectingthe principles, mechanisms and procedures for consultation, decision‐makingandplanningralliedinordertoenhanceRomania’scontributiontocollectivedefense;

legality,aprinciplethatinvolvesthebonafide fulfillmentofobligations

.

assumedbyRomania at thenational, European and international level,when acting to ensure and guarantee thedefense of the country, of itscitizens and of their fundamental rights, as well as when preventingrisks,fightingthreatsandminimizingvulnerabilitiesthatcouldincreasetheformer;

 

8

collectivedefe ses em;

consolidating the European Union and actively participating in

proportionality,aprinciplewhichaimstoidentifytheadequatelinesofaction required to ensure national security, determined by theestablishedobjectivesandassignedresources.

18. Inordertosafeguardabovementionedvaluesandprinciples, theStrategyassumesapragmatic and operational character by encouraging the initiative and the joint effort ofinstitutions authorized for implementing defense and security policies, as well as byefficientlycoordinatingtheiractions.

1.2.Nationalsecurityinterests

19.Indefiningnationalsecurityinterests,theStrategyrelatesmainlytotheConstitutionalprovisionswhichassertRomaniaasanational,sovereign, independentandindivisiblestate.Nationalinterestsnaturallyresultfromtheseprovisions,includingsecurityinterests,closelyrelated to legitimately promoting and safeguarding the core values that guarantee theexistence,theidentity,thedevelopmentandthestabilityoftheRomanianstate.ThesearethecorevaluesonwhichRomaniabuildsitsfutureandcontributionsforensuringinternationalsecurity.

20.Nationalsecurityinterestsare:

guaranteeing the state’s national character, sovereignty, independence,unityandindivisibility;

ndefendingthecountry’sterritorialintegritya dinalienability;

defending and consolidating constitutional democracy and the rule oflaw;

protecting fundamental rights and liberties of all citizens andguaranteeingtheirsafety;

guaranteeing the right to preservation, development and expression ofethnic, cultural, linguisticandreligious identityofpersonsbelonging to

iesnationalminorit ;

capitalizing on our country’s resources and geostrategic position, inordertoreachthewelfarelevelthatcitizensareentitledto;

reducingdevelopmentdisparitiesandthereconstructionofmajorpublicsystems;

ensuring the irreversible nature of belonging to the trans‐Atlanticn yst

.

integrationprocesseswithintheUnion. 

9

1.3.Nationalsecurityobjectives

21.Promotingnationalsecurityinterestsisenabledbytheestablishmentofbenchmarksofthes fort,materializedintonatateef tionalsecurityobjectives.

22.Fromaninternalperspective,nationalsecurityobjectivesregard:

the consolidation of the national defense capacity aimed at ensuringRomania’sterritorialintegrity,sovereigntyandindependence,aswellasthesecurityoftheRomanianpeople;

promoting and ensuring the unrestricted exercise of basic rights andliberties;

flsoundfunctioningofthejudiciaryandupholdingoftheruleo aw;

removing deficiencies affecting good governance, enhancingadministrative capacity,protecting thedecision‐makingprocessagainstinfluencesand/orillegitimateornon‐transparentactions;

securing efficiency of national crises prevention and managementsystems,bothlocalandexternal,aswellasmilitaryandcivil;

consolidating security and protection of critical infrastructures – theenergy, transport and cyber security sectors – as well as food andenvironmentsecurity;

developingcapabilitiestocombatasymmetricthreats;

securinganefficient,dynamicandcompetitiveeconomicenvironment,atan investment and entrepreneurial level, respectively, as well as thestate’sfinancial‐budgetarystability;

sound, durable and socially adaptable development of major publicsystems(healthcare,educationandsocialwelfare);

preventing radical or extremist reactions and tendencies, by observingl w s isocialplura ismandcultivatingtolerance ithincivil oc ety;

promoting national identity, including by means of preserving andcapitalizing on the cultural and natural heritage, as well as byresponsiblyincentivizingfieldsofexcellence.

23. From the foreign policy perspective, Romania must pursue the elaboration of acountryprofilethatmatchesthelevelofambitionassumedalthepoliticallevel,demographicweightandeconomicdevelopment.

24.Inthiscontext,nationalsecurityobjectivespursue:

strengthening Romania’s profile within NATO and the EU, throughconceptual,aswellasoperationalcontributions;

observingtheEuropeanUnion’sbasicprinciplesandvalues;

.

consolidating the strategic partnership with the US, including the 

10

economicandtradecooperation;

ensuringsecurityintheBlackSearegion;

deepening cooperation with neighboring states and states of NATO’sEasternflank;

fense;intensifyingregionalcooperation,includinginthefieldofde

upholdingtheRepublicofMoldova’sEuropeanaspirations;

promoting political, economic and security interests in regionsstrategicallyrelevantforourcountry.

25.Internalandexternalobjectiveswillnotbeattainedatthedesiredscaleintheabsenceof a long‐termcountryproject, assumedby theentirepolitical class, aproject able todrawnationalconsensus,inlinewithnationalsecurityinterests.

.  

11

urrenceofcalamities,energeticcrisis,cyberattacks,pandemics.

31.Thehighlevelofuncertaintyoftheevolutionsinthesecurityenvironment,correlatedwith internal and external factors which influence Romania's route, impose new ways of

ChapterII

INTERNATIONALSECURITYENVIRONMENTASSESSMENT

26. The current security environmentwithinwhich Romania defends and promotes itsvalues, principles, strategic and security goals and interests is characterized by complexityanddynamism,asaconsequenceofhavingrevisedthestrategicandmilitarystanceofsomestates as well as the political, economic and technological interdependences caused byglobali ozati n.

27. In perspective, the security environment will be further on influenced by multiplechallenges, some of those having predictable and linear manifestations, representingconsequencesofsomestrategiesaimedatbyvariousstateornon‐stateactorsonlongterm,while others, on the contrary, have an unpredictable non‐linear and profoundly disruptivecharac e hichmaygeneratt r,w estrategicsurprises.

28. The European environment is undertaking a demographic transformation processwith strategic implications. Demographic transformations are verifiable at statistical level,thosewillpersistforalongtime,andtheirimplicationsarebothpositiveandnegative.Thistype of systemic transformationswill impact differently upon the European states and theregions adjacent to those, while their impact upon the European security and Romania'ssecuritywillbeadistinctone,longtermspeaking.

2.1.TheGlobalSecurityEnvironment

29.Atthegloballevel,thesecurityenvironmentisundertakinganongoingtransformationprocess, which reflects mainly upon highlighting interdependences and unpredictabilitywithininternationalrelationssystemandthedifficultytodelimitateclassicalrisksandthreatsfromtheasymmetricandhybridones.

30.Onmediumandlongterm,theevolutionsregardingthesecurityenvironmentwillbedominated by complex trends, whose knowledge is, for our country, of paramount

importance:● redefining geo‐strategical "games";● rapid development of informationaltechnology; ● the resurgence of nationalism and extremism; ● ethnical and religiousfragmentationandideologicalradicalization;●adaptingcriticalinfrastructuresinrelationtotheocc

.  

acting, based on a medium and long term vision. The dynamics of the current securityenvironmenthighlightstwomainchallenges:theidentificationofconstanciesandforeseeingany possible internal, regional and international phenomena which might impact uponRoman

12

ntury.

36. The European security architecture has been under constant threat by crisis andconflictswhich are ongoing in the close vicinity, in the East and in the South,whichmightimpact, directly or indirectly upon Romania's national security interests. The recentevolutions in the Eastern Neighborhood, in theMiddle East and the Northern Africageneratemultiple challenges to the security of the community environment, thus the needthat the European Union revise and strengthen its policies in the field of security andcollectivedefenseandinternalaffairsbecomesmoreobvious.

ia'snationalsecurity.

32. In foreseeing andpreventingmajor security issues at the global level, an importantpartisplayedbytheUnitedNationsOrganizationbothwhenitcomestoconsultationsaswellastodecisionmakingrelatedtosolvingsomeregionalcrisis.Disputingmorefrequentlylatelythe international regime of some treaties and understandings regarding armament,deploymentandstationingoftroopsandmilitarycapabilities,andthemeasurestostrengthenconfidence and security at regional and international level may deepen fragmentation,divisions and cleavages, generating a turbulent reconfiguration at the internationalrelationshipslevel.

2.2.SecurityDimensionsatEuroatlanticLevel

33. Romania's position on the Eastern flank of the North‐Atlantic Alliance and of theEuropeanUnion,aswellasat thecrossroadsofsomeareaswithahighsecurityshowsthatdefense and security surpass the area of responsibility of a single state. It is necessary torevisitsomeconceptsandestablishnewmeasurestoensurepredictabilityandconsensusinhandling national instruments both independently, as well as in allied and communitycontext, OSCE being, in this regard, an important element within the European securitysystem.

34. The main warranty provider when it comes to Romania's security is The NorthAtlantic Alliance, the transatlantic relationship representing the strategic binder whichawards coherence and consistency to NATO actions. The solidity of the transatlanticrelationshipdependsontheUnitedStates'maintainingtheircommitmentinEurope,aswellas thewayalliesandEuropeanpartnerswillallot financialassistance todevelop theirowndefensecapabilities.

35. An important actor in the European and Euro Atlantic environment is theRussianFederation.ItsactionsintheBlackSeaRegion,infringinguponinternationallaw,questioninginternational order, preserving frozen conflicts and the annexation of Crimea have raisedagaintheNATOawarenessuponfulfillingitsfundamentalmissionthatiscollectivedefense,aswellasthevalidityofthesecurityarrangementsagreeduponwithRussiaattheendoftheXXthce

.  

37.Theemergingterroristgroups stimulatethe IslamicradicalizationphenomenonatEuropean level,highlighting therisksposedbyreturning to thecommunityenvironmentoftheEuropeanjihadists,whowerehadbeenpreviouslyengagedinfightsortrainingprogramsinstate rroristagen

13

shavingaveryactivete da.

38. The intensification ofmigration from the conflict areas or from areaswith a pooreconomic situation has generated challenges to the capability of some member states tomanagetheflowofilegalimmigrantsandintegratethoseintothelocalcommunity.

2.3.TheRegionalSecurityEnvironment

39. At regional and sub‐regional level, the environment inwhich Romania defends andpromotes its values, principles and interests is going through a new phase ofreconfiguration. The current security dynamics may impact both directly and indirectlyuponRomania'ssecuritysituationandthesecurityofitscitizens.

40.Romaniahasanobligationtomaintainthestrategicbalanceatthecrossroadsofsomeregional security complexes, but also to contribute to the strengthening of theEuropeanizationprocessbygradualextensionoftheEuropeanenvironmentoffreedom,prosperity,securityandjustice.

41.Regionalcooperation,bystrengtheningtheEasternandSoutherndimensionsofthevicinitypoliciesoftheEuropeanUnion,hasundergoneaconstantincrease.

42.TheRussianFederationistryingtoconsolidateitsstatusasapowerattheregionallevel, itsactionshavinganimpactuponregionalstabilityandtheEuropeanpathofUkraine,TheRepublicofMoldovaandGeorgia.

43.TheperpetuationofinstabilityintheWesternBalkansgeneratespopulist,extremist,radical and even fundamentalist sideslips by deepening some historical cleavages and byinfringingupontherightsoftheethnicalcommunities,encouragingthusorganizedcrimeandcorruption.

44. The regional energetic architecture may undergo alterations determined bypossible syncopes inexploitingenergetic resources in thePonticareaanddevelopingsomeenergeticprojectscompetitivetothosesupportedbytheEuropeanUnionandRomania.

45. Questioning the liberal values system, the sideslips from the state law rules andregulations, the authoritarian drives in exerting power; exacerbation of the nationalist andpopulist discourse determines the increase of regional instability and the decrease of thesecurityfeelinginthearea.

.  

14

54.Thecyberthreatsinitiatedbyhostileentities,stateornon‐state,uponinformational

ChapterIII

THREATS,RISKSANDVULNERABILITIES

46.Traditionally,threats,risksandvulnerabilitiesrelatedtonationaldefenseandsecurityareassessedagainstsomemilitaryconcepts,butthecurrentsecurityenvironmentcallsuponanextendedapproach,withinwhichone could find,besides the security related issues, theeconomic,social,political,technologicalandenvironmentissues.

47.Threatsrepresentcapabilities,strategies,intentionsorplanswhichmayimpactuponthenationalsecurityvalues,interestsandgoals.

48.Risksrepresenttheprobabilityofmanifestationofanuncertainevent,havingdirectorindirectimpactuponnationalsecurity.

49.Vulnerabilitiesareconsequencesofsomesystemicdisruptionsorshortcomings,whichmaybeexploitedormaycontributetotheoccurrenceofathreatorofarisk.

50.Thedeteriorationofthesecuritysituationattheinternationallevel,butespeciallyattheregionallevel,callsuponknowingthemainthreats,risksandvulnerabilitiesourcountryconfrontswith,inthecontextoftheoccurrenceand,possibly,developmentofanewformofinfluence and constraint, as a result of a mixture of conventional and unconventionalcomponents.

3.1.Threats

51.TheactionsperformedtodestabilizetheEasternvicinitygeneratemajorchallengesto the security of the Euro Atlantic environment, causing regional instability and possiblenegative phenomena, amongstwhichwe canmentionmigration, organized crime, and alsoalterationoftheeconomicgrowthpotential.

52. The perpetuation of the frozen conflicts in the Black Sea Region and theinstability in the Western Balkans generate additional pressures for Romania. Inter‐ethnicaltensionsandtheregionalimbalancesinthestatessituatedattheproximitymayleadtotheunleashofsomeregionalconflicts.

53.The distortions on the energeticmarkets and the competitive projects of somestate or non‐state actors alter Romania's efforts to provide a sufficient level of energeticsecurity.

.  

infrastructures posing strategic interest of the public institutions and companies, the cyberattacksperformedbycybercrimegroupsortheextremistcyberattacksinitiatedbyhackersalterd yRoma

15

63. Illegalsmugglingofconventionalarmamentmayderive fromsomestateornon‐state actors’ interest to perform such operations, targeting conflict areas or areas having apotentialtoturnintoanarmedconflict.

irectl nia'snationalsecurity.

55. Terrorism is a persistent threat, having forms of manifestation very difficult toforeseeandcounter, including from theperspectiveof identificationandde‐structuring theflowsofrecruitmentandfinancingthoseactivities.Thenationalcontingencieswhichtakepartinmissionsabroadareexposedtorisksandthreatsgeneratedbytheactionsoftheterroristforces, organizations and groups. The increasing fundamentalist propaganda, especiallyvirtually, favors the appearance of new cases of radicalization or of implication in terroristextremistactions.

56.Theproliferationof theweaponsofmass‐destructionproliferationandof thebearingvectors,aswellasthetrafficofdual‐useproducts,mayalternationalsecurityinthecontextofadestabilizationattheregionallevel.

57.Thehostileinformationalactions,whichtriggerthedevelopmentofsomesupportpoints on national territory, especiallywith an influential purpose,may impede Romania'sstrategicprojectsanditsdecisionsatthestatelevel.

3.2.Risks

58. Regional instability limits Romania's ability to promote its strategic interests,especiallythoseregardingsupportingMoldova'sEuropeanroute,solvingthefrozenconflicts,ensuring energetic security, protecting the rights of the Romanian communities and of theeconomicactivitiesperformedintheExclusiveEconomicZoneofRomaniaattheBlackSea.

59. The un‐fulfillment of Romania's development goals can be generated by thepersistence of the economic difficulties, proliferation of the underground economy and ofcorruption,taxevasion,theinsecurityofinfrastructure,aswellasbyexternalfactorssuchastheperpetuationofthedevelopmentgapsattheEuropeanUnionlevelandthelowdegreeofresistance to the major issues on the external markets, especially in the financial‐bankingarea.

60. Risks of social nature persist on the background of some trends such as thedemographicfall,themigrationoftheactivepopulation,thedegradationoftheenvironmentfactors,theshortcomings/deficienciesinthenationalhealth,educationandsocialassistancesystems,butalsothedistortionsonthelabormarket.

61.RadicalizationoftheextremistentitiespresentonRomania'snationalterritorymayoccurinthecontextoftheintensificationoftheextremistflowsofethnicorreligiousnatureorofanyothernature.

62. Border criminality from drugs, people, armament and goods smuggling, illegalmigrationtoeconomic‐financialcriminalityisanotherphenomenonwhichmightimpactuponRomania'snationalsecurity.

.

16

 

64. Risks with low probability, but major impact remain of interest for nationalsecurity: military confrontations of low intensity, but persistent in time, migration flowsgeneratedbynaturaldisasters,pandemics,ecologicdisasters.

3.3.Vulnerabilities

65. The ability of the state institutions to assess and diminish the impact of risks andthreatsislimitedbythepersistenceofsomevulnerabilityin:absorptionofEuropeanfunds,usingpublicfunds,energy,criticalinfrastructure,agriculture,environmentprotection,justice,health, education and scientific research. The inexistence of a real multiannualbudgetplanningtodeterminetakingtheresponsibilityforandfulfillmentofsomeinvestmentprogramshasnegativeeffects,includinginrelationtoincreasingthecapabilitiesofthearmedforces ndfollowingcommitmentsregardingmilitaryexpenditure.a

66.Theabilityof the centraland localadministration to implementnationalandEuropeanpublicpoliciesrepresentsanothervulnerability.

67. The inter‐institutional reaction in crisis situations is altered by the insecurity ofresourcesandtheincoherenceinmanagingvarioustypesofrisks.Thisvulnerabilitybecomesevenmore important ifwe refer to the interoperability ability of various state institutionswhichmusttakeactionsshouldanyasymmetricorhybridthreatsoccur.

68.Corruptionmakes thestatevulnerable,generatesprejudices toeconomyandaltersthecountry'sdevelopmentpotential,thegovernanceingoodconditions,thedecision‐makingprocessinthebestinterestofthecitizensandofthecommunity,aswellastheconfidenceinjustice and state institutions. Externally, the persistence of corruption has negative impactuponcredibilityandourcountry'simage.

69.Othervulnerabilitiesderivefromexclusionandsocialpolarization,thepovertydegree,thedemographicfall,migrationofthespecializedworkforce,thesocio‐economicdisparitiesbetweenregionsandcounties,thefragilityofthespiritandthecivicsolidarity.

.  

17

ChapterIV

LINESOFACTIONANDMAINWAYSTOENSUREROMANIA’SNATIONALSECURITY

4.1.Premises

70. The national security goals and interests represent the basis on which the maindirections and the ways to ensure the national security are grounded in a dynamic andcomplexinternationalsecurityenvironment.Furthermore,thelinesofactionscomeundertheobligation to prevent, fight and respond to potential threats, risks and vulnerabilities thatRomaniamay face over the following five years and in the long run, in a crediblemanner,undertheconstitutionalprincipleofunitarycoordination.

71.ThelinesofactionandwaystoensureRomania’snationalsecurityaimat:

Strengtheningstrategiccredibilitythroughstabilityandpredictability,bothathomeandabroad.Consolidatingstrategiccredibilityisbasedonstrengthening the defense capabilities, public order and security atnationallevel,aswellasonsecuringacollectiveresponseregardingthedefense of the Euro‐Atlantic space and a joint reaction needed for theconsolidationoffreedom,securityandjusticew t e roi hinth Eu peanspace;

Ensuring a congruous legal framework, both for the unitarycoordinationofactivitiesonthecountry’sdefenseandnationalsecurityattheleveloftheSupremeCouncilofNationalDefense,aswellasfortheorganizationandfunctioningofinstitutionswithcompetenceinthefield,in line with new security challenges, and particularly for a fulladjustment to the NATO and EU membership condition. A legalframeworktailoredtotherequirementsofcollectivedefenseprinciplesoftheEuropeanspaceoffreedom,securityandjustice,callsforsecuritystrengthening by enhancing the respect for the basic rights and theprinciplesofconstitutionaldemocracy;

Enhancing inter‐institutional collaboration to identify and meetstrategicnationalsecuritygoals.Thiswillbethekeyelementneededfortransition fromasectorwideapproachtoamorecoherentandflexibleinter‐institutionalplanningconception;

Focusing on prevention and preventive mechanisms in the field ofnational security and country’s defense, namely better anticipation,knowledge, and construction of an integrated responsiveness, thatshouldbebalanced, flexible andsupple. In the current context, besides

.

knowing the risks and threats, in all aspects – sources, ways ofexpression,meansandtechniques–developingtheanticipationcapacity,based on knowledge and education, is fundamental. To this end,developingappropriate systems for the early spottingofdangers, risksand threats, with a view to preventing their occurrence, through acombineduseofmilitarymeansandcivilinstru

 

18

ments,ismandatory;

Allocatingresourcesthroughanintegrated,continuous,multi‐annualand rigorous planning process, able to respond both to new inter‐institutional planning demands, at a national level, and to rigors ofprinciplesofmulti‐annualbudgetplanninghabitualtoNATOandtheEU.

4.2.Linesofactionandmainwaystoensurenationalsecurity

4.2.1.Thedefensedimension

72. Romania must concentrate strategic efforts for the defense and the security of itscitizens and of the national territory, aswell as for granting support to allied and partnerstates, in accordance with commitments made under international treaties. To this end,developing the capacity to respond to new security environment challenges, andpreparingthepopulationandterr defensearenecessaryactions.itoryfor

73.Linesofactionaimat:

consolidating thenationaldefensecapacity,which includes theefficientuseofNATOmechanisms;

continuing the transformation, modernization and procurement ofRomania’s armed forces, by allotting at least 2% of the GDP to theDefensebudget,yearly,for10yearstime,asof2017;

developingthecapacitiesrequiredtorespondincaseofasymmetricandhybridthreats;

deepening the securitydimensionof theStrategicPartnershipwith theUS,byconsolidatingmilitarycooperation,includingthenationalterritoryandtheBlackSearegion;

reachingperformancestandardsneededtoachieveinteroperabilitywitharmiesofothermemberstatesandbringingin linelegalandnormative

ndinstrucprovisionsregulatingthetraininga tionofarmedforces;

adapting the security industry to the armed forces’ equipmentrequirementsandtothecompetitiveenvironment;

developingcooperationinthefieldofsecurityindustrywithstatesoftheEuro‐Atlantic space, by capitalizing on multinational cooperationopportunities,amidNATOandEUinitiatives;

.

consolidating the national role and presence in civil missions andmilitary operations through participation in monitoring missions andcrisismanagementinareasofpriorityinterestforRomania.

 

19

4.2.2.Thepublicorderdimension

74.Linesofactioninthisfieldwillparticularlytarget:

increasing the citizens' level of security by protecting their life, bodilyintegrityandownershiprights;

identifying and counteracting activities conducted by organized cross‐bordercrimenetworksanddismantlingcriminalgroups;

preventing and fighting against tax fraud and other forms of economicandfinancialcrime;

fightingagainstdrugconsumptionandtrafficking;

securing the border, particularly the external frontier of the EuropeanUnion,inordertocombatillegalmigration,humantraffickingandotherrisksbearinganimpactonnationalsecurity;

increasing the responsiveness and management of the emergencysituations;

enhancingroadandtransportssafety;

ensuring human resources, as well as material, financial andinformational means needed for maintaining and developing theoperational capacity of relevant institutions, based on a rigorousplanningprocess.

4.2.3.Theintelligence,counterintelligenceandsecuritydimension

75.Withrespecttothisdimension,linesofactionaimat:

defendingconstitutionalorderandvalues;

identifyingandsignalingactsofcorruption;

drawingattentiontosystemicdysfunctionsinensuringvitalservicesfori s athepopulat on,a wellasfl wsinmajorpublicsystems;

identifying and signaling dysfunctions, risks and threats regarding:energy security; the management of EU funds; the functioning offinancialmarkets; population food safety; environment safety; regionalandtransportinfrastructuredevelopmentobjectives;

identifyinginterferencesthatcanaffecteconomicandfinancialdecision‐makingatastrategiclevelandcombatinglarge‐scaletaxfraudacts;

ensuringmechanismstopreventandcounteractcyberattackstargeting

.

informational infrastructures of strategic interest, associated with 

20

promotionofnationalinterestsinthefieldofcybersecurity;

a o nidentifying ndc unteracti gasymmetricandhybridactions;

identifying and signaling deficiencies in the optimum functioning ofcriticalinfrastructures;

preventingandfightingterrorism;

knowing, preventing and eliminating risks and threats generated byhostile intelligence actions, securing counterintelligence protection ofnationalinterests,aswellasofclassifiedinformation;

identifyingandcounteractingorganizedcross‐bordercrimecarryingoutactivities with a high economic and social risk, and preventing theiraccesstothestate’sdecision‐makingmechanismsandnationaleconomicresources;

knowing the objectives, resources and lines of development ofclandestine arming programs concerning conventional weapons orweapons of mass destruction and carrying vectors, as well ascounteractingillegaltransfersofstrategicproducts.

4.2.4.Theecono

76.Linesofactio

micandenergeticdimension

ninthisfieldare:

promotingfreeinitiativeandprotectingprivateproperty;

ensuring the competitive framework and competitiveness by reducingfactorsthataffectthesoundfunctioningofthebusinessenvironment;

ensuring transparency of local markets and their capacity to functionconnectedlywithexternalmarkets;

ensuringenergysecuritybyeffectiveadjustmentandstreamliningoftheprimary energy resources consumption structure, increasing energyefficiency,developingprojectsaimedatensuringdiversificationofaccessto resources, increasing the interconnectedness and competitivenesscapacity, including by the implementation of the Energy Union’s

objectives;

promoting policies that reduce the development gap between thecountry’svariousregions;

ginfrastructurenetworks;developingandstreamlinin

consolidatinglocalcapital;

preventingandcounteractingfactorsgeneratingriskstothepopulation’sfoodsafetyandenvironmentsecurity.

.  

21

4.2.5.Thediplomaticdimension

77.Inthisfield,li

nesofaction,upheldbyactivediplomacy,are:

consolidating strategic dialoguewithin the EuropeanUnion,NATO androtherinte nationalcooperationformats;

fostering strategic partnerships, by extending cooperation in theeconomicfield;

enhancing cooperation with states from NATO’s Eastern flank, intrilateralandbilateralformats;

promotingtheBlackSea’sstrategicsignificanceandcooperationformatsinthearea;

involvingRomaniainthereflectionprocessregardingtheOSCE’sfuturerole;

upholding public diplomacy actions to promote national securityinterests and support undertakenobjectives, in cooperationwithotherpublicorprivateinstitutions.

4.2.6.Thecrisismanagementdimension

78.Linesofactioninthisfieldparticularlyaimat:

upgradingthenationalintegratedcrisismanagementsystem;

preparing institutionsandthepopulation forcrisisandcivilemergencysituations, including throughmobilization traininganddrills,aswellasthroughinternationalcooperation;

preparing decision‐makers to take action and make decisions duringcrisissituations;

ensuring material and human resources required by institutions withcompetenceincrisismanagement,inlinewithaplanningprocess.

4.2.7.Theeducational,healthcare,socialanddemographicdimension

79.CurrentchallengesregardingRomania’ssecuritycallforthedevelopmentofacreativeintellec esocialfactorshouldprevail.tualsystem,whereeducation, healthcareandth

80.Linesofactioninthisfieldwillprimarilyaimat:

drawing up a large‐scale national education project, aimed at ensuringplanningmechanismsforcurricula,projectsandachievements;

motivating scientific research, in correspondence with the educationsystem,asakeyprocessincomprehendingthenatureofcurrentthreatsandchallenges;

.

fostering the security culture, including through continuous education,aimedatpromotingvalues,norms,attitudesoractionsallowing for the

 

22

assimilationofthenationalsecurityconcept;

boosting the responsiveness of the public healthcare system in case ofnpandemicsoremergencysituatio s;

shaping the healthcare system by placing the patient/citizen at thecenterofthissystem;

linking labor market policies to healthcare and education policies, inuordertos pportsustainabledevelopmentprocesses;

adopting coherent measures aimed at reducing the degree ofdeterioration of demographic situations and at scaling downdevelopmentgapsatterritoriallevel.

.  

23

FINALCONSIDERATIONS

81.InthespiritofvaluesandprinciplesonthegroundsofwhichtheStrategywassetup,meetingitsgoalsentailsajointeffortatthelevelofthepoliticalclassandthecivilsociety,aswell as the efficient use of our country’s human, material and financial resources. It isdesirable that the political class take on the worded interests and objectives, by ensuringdecisiontransparencyandthejudicioususeofpublicfunds,andthatthecivilsocietybecomeinvolvedinthedevelopmentofthesecuritycultureandintheopendebateofsecurityissues.

82.StrategicconsistencyandcoherencerelyontheconvergenceofobjectivesandlinesofactionputforwardbytheNationalDefenseStrategy,theProgrammeforGovernmentandtheplanning documents at the NATO and the EU level. This convergence must be pursuedthrough setting up priorities and making objectives viable, budget planning and properresourceallocation.

83. A necessary condition for making the Strategy operational is the revision of thelegislative framework in the field of national security. Beside flaws displayed in time, thisrevisionmusttakeintoconsiderationthenewthreatsandtheneedtoobservecivilrightsandliberties.Inordertoattaintheobjectivesandtoaccomplishthedirectionsshoulderedbythecurrent Strategy, institutions with competence in the field will elaborate the subsequentsectorwidestrategies,programsandactivityplans.