Minister Sorin Frunzaverde hails Romania’s joining EU

The missions carried out by the Romanian military in various operations theatres proved we had a professional army, capable of taking part in international missions and, at the same time, of being integrated into the EU European security policy, Minister Sorin Frunzaverde told the festive meeting occasioned by Romania’s accession to the EU.

Minister Frunzaverde made it clear in this respect that the accession to NATO was an important moment for joining the EU and that the two moments were supported by most of the population even if, at least in the beginning, they did not get the same support from all the political forces.

‘The presence of our military side by side with their fellow soldiers in the EU countries in international missions strengthened the latter ones’ trust in the Romanians’ capability of carrying out the missions that were entrusted to them,’ said the Minister of Defence.

The moment of January 1, 2007 sanctions Romania’s integration into the EU security policy and its getting the capacity as a member of the European Defence Agency, also said Sorin Frunzaverde.

The accession to the EU as well as joining NATO do not signify the end of the reform of the military institution. The Romanian army is in full process of change and is now at the end of 15 years of an ‘often painful’ reform, also said the Minister of Defence. He mentioned in context that, if in 1990, the Romanian army had over 230,000 positions, at present they have come down to 90,000.

The Minister of Defence also mentioned the moment when they created the concept that underlay the EU, in 1951, when ‘an excellent gallery of European politicians were assuming the construction of the United Europe.’ At the same time Sorin Furnzaverde said that 100 years ago exactly, a Romanian, Aurel C Popovici, was writing in Leipzig a book titled ‘The United States of Greater Austria,’ which foreshadowed the current European construction.

‘Starting on January 1 all the Romanians will be full-fledged citizens of the united Europe. May you live long in Europe!’ said the Minister of Defence at the end of his speech. ROMPRES