Romania's defence spending reached 2.26% of GDP in 2024
<p>Romania's Defence Ministry spent some 2.26% of GDP compared to a budget initially envisaged at 2.28% of GDP in 2024, minister <strong>Angel Tilvar</strong> announced, adding that this allowed the Army to pursue its goals at the pace it desired, <a href="https://www.g4media.ro/ministrul-apararii-executia-bugetara-pe-anul-trecut-se-va-apropa-de-suta-la-suta-am-avut-alocare-de-228-229-la-suta-din-pib-si-avem-cheltuieli-de-226.html?mc_cid=642b75c9d4&amp;mc_eid=cd1f92f96c" rel="noopener" target="_blank">G4media.ro</a> reported.</p>

<p>"It is also important how this money was spent. [It] was spent not only in full but it was also spent properly: on the priority tasks that the Romanian Army's Endowment Program had formulated in advance," added Tilvar.</p>

<p>The minister of defense also stated that he wanted to increase the strength of the Romanian Army, which has been reduced over time. &nbsp;He said that from the current 85,000, including civilians, the personnel should reach 100,000.</p>

<p>US president-elect Donald Trump on January 7 called on NATO members to spend 5% of GDP on defence. The current target for Alliance's members is 2% of GDP, so Trump's request is more than a doubling.</p>

<p>Last month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also said that in the current security context, "we will need more 2%." Rutte also warned that European nations are unprepared for a possible war with Russia and called on them to "turbocharge" their defence investments.</p>

<p><em>iulian@romania-insider.com</em></p>

<p><em>(Photo source: Inquam Photos/Sabin Cirstoveanu)</em></p>