Romanian Senate Approves Bills for Drone Defense and Military Operations

The Romanian Senate has passed two bills that allow shooting down drones that violate the country's airspace and conducting military missions and operations on its territory in peacetime. This is the final decision, as the Senate was the last instance to consider these documents.

This was reported by Romanian Radio Liberty.

The bill on control over the use of national airspace was supported by 78 senators, 11 voted against, and 2 abstained.

The second law, which provides for the possibility of conducting military missions and operations on the territory of Romania in peacetime, received 80 votes in favor, 12 against and 2 abstentions.

"We are strengthening Romania's defense. The first provision regulates the destruction of unauthorized drones that violate our airspace. The second one ensures more effective cooperation between the Romanian army and NATO partners during peace operations," said acting Senate President Mircea Abrudean.

He also criticized senators from the AUR, SOS and POT parties, saying that they "serve other interests, not Romanians" and emphasized that "Romania's security is not negotiable."
The Union for the Salvation of Romania (USR) party also criticized the three political forces, calling them "isolationist" and accusing them of wanting to "give Russia Romanian airspace."

During Russia's massive attacks on Ukraine, enemy targets often cross the border with Romania and explode on its territory. In particular, in July 2024, Romania discovered the alleged wreckage of downed drones used by Russia to attack the south of Odesa region. They were found near the village of Plauru, on the Romanian coast opposite Izmail. The day before, the Russians attacked the border with attack drones, and Izmail district of Odesa region was under attack.

Ірина Глухова