George Scutaru, Director General of New Strategy Center, participated in the Strategic Security Forum on 28 October, organized by the National Defence University in partnership with the University of Bucharest and New Strategy Center.

George Scutaru was a speaker on the panel “Security Challenges on NATO’s Eastern Flank”, where he analysed recent developments in the Black Sea security environment and the main challenges to Romania’s security.

In his remarks, he highlighted the risks posed by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, including recent drone incidents, which underscore the need to strengthen Romania’s defence capabilities and response readiness.

Against this challenging security backdrop, he stressed the need to accelerate military procurement programmes, engage in an open and honest dialogue with citizens to explain that the risk of a confrontation with the Russian Federation is increasing across Europe, and intensify diplomatic efforts with NATO Allies, particularly the United States, to increase their attention to and military presence in the Black Sea region.

Russia is significantly escalating its actions along NATO’s Eastern Flank, particularly in the Black Sea, seeking to disrupt Ukrainian exports and undermine freedom of navigation. These developments require NATO to take additional measures to strengthen deterrence and collective defence in the Black Sea region.