Romania Highlights Security Priorities and NATO Cooperation at Vilnius Snow Meeting
Vilnius, The Gulf Observer: The annual “Snow Meeting” in Vilnius has once again set the tone for discussions on the European and transatlantic security agenda at the start of the year, with Romania underscoring the importance of intensifying diplomatic dialogue with Nordic and Baltic partners.
At the invitation of Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu presented Romania’s perspectives during the panel titled “On the Road Again: NATO Summit in Ankara.” The discussion brought together Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, experts from the United States, and representatives from NATO-related institutions.
Participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea and the Danube region, the need to expand international cooperation to protect submarine cables and energy infrastructure, and the importance of ensuring maritime security through closer coordination with riverine countries. The talks were held in the context of preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara, as well as the B9 Summit, which Romania is set to host in Bucharest later this year. These forums aim to strengthen coordination among NATO allies on the Eastern Flank and enhance collective efforts to counter hybrid threats.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the recent decision by the European Commission to approve Romania’s application for financing through the SAFE instrument, worth €16.8 billion, provided an opportunity to discuss the growth potential of Romania’s defence industry. Discussions also covered the successful NATO Forum of Industries hosted in Bucharest last year, as well as the role of international partnerships and related investments. Minister Țoiu welcomed the participation of Oana Lungescu, former NATO spokesperson, describing her as a relevant and respected voice in foreign policy and security affairs.
Ahead of the Snow Meeting, the Romanian foreign minister also held bilateral talks with her counterparts from Estonia and Lithuania. The year marks 35 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and both countries, which share similar views within NATO and the European Union. As members of the OECD, Estonia and Lithuania’s support is seen as important for Romania’s accession to the organisation, targeted for 2026.
In discussions with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the two sides focused on Romania’s OECD accession process and explored opportunities for cooperation in the strategic field of rare minerals, as well as the exchange of best practices in education and new technologies.
During talks with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys, Minister Țoiu expressed appreciation for Lithuania’s hosting of the forum and reaffirmed Romania’s solidarity through its participation in NATO Air Policing missions in Lithuania. The two ministers also discussed cooperation during the year ahead in support of Romania’s OECD accession in 2026.
