Romania has managed to respond assertively, rather than merely defensively, to the security challenges generated by Russia’s war against Ukraine, Romania’s interim Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said on Monday at the opening of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy.
Toiu emphasized that Romania is advancing energy connectivity projects with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine and has taken over the chairmanship of two regional formats aimed at supporting the EU accession process of neighboring countries, including Moldova.
“Perhaps the most important thing I want to say about the past year and the years ahead is that this instability in international relations is not temporary. The lesson we have learned is that in the face of these storms, the goal is not to take shelter, but to move forward,” Toiu said at the event on August 31, according to Moldova 1.
She added that Romania has faced some of its greatest challenges since the 1989 Revolution and has sought to ensure that its own priorities are treated as such in all international formats in which it participates.
Security Remains a Top Priority
Toiu opened the discussion on Romania’s diplomatic priorities with the issue of security, describing it as the topic that has dominated the country’s agenda in recent years, particularly in 2026.
Romania has recorded the highest number of drone incursions among countries along NATO’s eastern flank, according to the minister. She said Bucharest has addressed the growing frequency of such incidents and their security consequences by taking concrete measures.
“We cannot discuss Romania’s foreign policy priorities without focusing on security, because this has been the component that has dominated the agenda in recent years and, especially, over the past year,” Toiu said.
She described the security risks facing Romania as a consequence of Russia’s “illegal war of aggression” against Ukraine and said the authorities had taken the necessary decisions and measures in response.
One of the measures adopted was the introduction of tougher penalties, including prison sentences, in Romania’s Criminal Code for individuals who organize efforts to circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia.
Toiu argued that illegally generated profits in Romania should not become a source of funding for weapons used in a war that creates security risks and causes civilian casualties in Ukraine.
Romania Reaffirms Support for Ukraine and Moldova
Romania also reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine and the peace process. Toiu said Bucharest would continue supporting its neighbor in achieving a sustainable peace.
She also highlighted a symbolic development on August 31, saying that Romanian Language Day was being celebrated in Ukraine for the first time in history, with events taking place in Chernivtsi, Odesa and other Romanian-speaking communities.
“Today, for the first time in history, Romanian Language Day is being celebrated in Ukraine, on August 31. Events have taken place in Chernivtsi, Odesa and the other communities to mark it,” Toiu said.
According to the Romanian official, the celebrations are the result of several years of efforts and culminated in the strategic partnership signed by the presidents of Romania and Ukraine.
Romania is also continuing projects aimed at strengthening energy connectivity with Moldova and Ukraine, while using its regional roles to support the European integration of neighboring countries.