Two in three Romanians are worried about the conflict in Ukraine

Most Romanians are concerned about the prolonging of the military conflict in Ukraine and the consequences this may have on Romania. About 64.4% of Romanians think that the situation in Ukraine is dangerous for Romania. The geographical proximity of the conflict and the broadcasting of the war scenes by local TV stations have actively contributed to this perception. Only 17.9% of Romanians think the conflict in Ukraine poses no danger for Romania, according to a survey made by local research institute INSCOP. In this context, almost 70% of Romanians agree that the budget for the Army should be increased, and only 12.7% oppose this. Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis and the leaders of the biggest political parties in Romania signed an agreement to guarantee that Romania’s budget for defense will be increased to over 2% of GDP starting 2017. Romania’s defense budget for 2015 is some EUR 2.7 billion or 1.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), up from 1.42% of GDP in 2014. The U.S. brings 250 soldiers in Romanian base as Russia warns it might neutralise the county’s military targets NATO Secretary General: Romania is not at risk because of Russia NATO will open two command and control units in Romania editor@romania-insider.com