Romania is prepared to cover the costs of stationing US troops on its territory, hoping not only to maintain the current number of American personnel but also to increase their presence amid a growing threat from Russia. Russia has been accused of repeatedly violating the airspace of NATO member Romania, as well as recently attacking commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan said he had presented the US side with specific proposals concerning troop numbers and the distribution of costs. According to him, Bucharest wants to see more American service members in the country, along with more powerful strike weapons.
According to the presidential administration, 1,172 American service members are currently stationed in Romania, compared with a previous figure of 1,700. Bucharest is prepared to compensate Washington, following a proposal similar to Poland's. Warsaw has offered to pay $15,000 annually for each service member stationed at a planned US military base on its territory.
Dan noted that Romania's foreign policy closely resembles that of Poland, which takes a tough stance toward Russia. He said the authorities are aware of the Russian threat and the impact of the war in Ukraine on regional security. The president also stated that Russia is trying to change the position of European countries supporting Ukraine.
According to Dan, thanks to assistance from its allies, Romania is now better protected against drones. The next step is to strengthen security in the Black Sea without escalating tensions.
Former Romanian Navy commander Sandu-Valentin Mateiu noted that American military personnel primarily ensure the operation of US military bases. American troops and missile defense systems are stationed at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, near the Black Sea coast, as well as at the Deveselu military base in southern Romania, near the Bulgarian border. According to Mateiu, it remains unclear whether the US is prepared to send full-fledged combat units to Romania.
Romania's proposal shows that the country's authorities view the American military presence as one of the main pillars of national security. Poland's example is also worth noting: Warsaw and Bucharest are trying to encourage greater US military involvement through their own financial resources, convinced that this will strengthen their defenses against risks associated with Russia.
However, an increase in the number of American service members does not necessarily mean that Romania will have full-fledged combat units. Some US forces are currently tasked with ensuring the operation of military bases, and this distinction is important in understanding the kind of military presence Bucharest is actually seeking. Washington's response is not yet known.
