Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has informed the parliament that he consents to the entry, stationing, or transit of NATO's Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), also known as the “spearhead force,” through the country’s territory if necessary in 2024, Romanian media reported.
During a plenary session on Tuesday, the parliament took note of a letter from the president informing the legislative authority that NATO spearhead forces may enter, be stationed, or move in transit through Romania for the purpose of preparing and/or conducting military operations in 2024, as reported by the Agerpress news agency.
Hotnews.ro cited a document that outlines the situation: “In case of prior indications that could lead to a serious security crisis potentially affecting Romania’s independence and national sovereignty, the North Atlantic Council may decide to deploy the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) on Romanian territory to mitigate the crisis and deter its escalation.”
Iohannis emphasized that in order to quickly prepare for the reception of the VJTF, it is necessary to obtain prior consent for the deployment of these NATO forces on the country’s territory.
Iohannis has also authorized the defense minister to approve any changes in the structure of the VJTF that may arise in connection with NATO’s 2024 strategy plans.
A race to the top of the Alliance
Some analysts believe that this decision might be linked to President Iohannis' ambition to become the next Secretary General of NATO.
The Romanian president officially declared his candidacy for the position on March 12.
In addition to Iohannis, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is another candidate for NATO's top job. Rutte has secured support from major NATO members, including the United States, Britain, France, and Germany.
Jens Stoltenberg will continue to lead NATO until October 1, 2024, marking at least ten years in his role as Secretary General.
Hotnews.ro cited a document that outlines the situation: “In case of prior indications that could lead to a serious security crisis potentially affecting Romania’s independence and national sovereignty, the North Atlantic Council may decide to deploy the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) on Romanian territory to mitigate the crisis and deter its escalation.”
Iohannis emphasized that in order to quickly prepare for the reception of the VJTF, it is necessary to obtain prior consent for the deployment of these NATO forces on the country’s territory.
Iohannis has also authorized the defense minister to approve any changes in the structure of the VJTF that may arise in connection with NATO’s 2024 strategy plans.
A race to the top of the Alliance
Some analysts believe that this decision might be linked to President Iohannis' ambition to become the next Secretary General of NATO.
The Romanian president officially declared his candidacy for the position on March 12.
In addition to Iohannis, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is another candidate for NATO's top job. Rutte has secured support from major NATO members, including the United States, Britain, France, and Germany.
Jens Stoltenberg will continue to lead NATO until October 1, 2024, marking at least ten years in his role as Secretary General.
Source: PAP, TVP World
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