Voluntary military training discussed in the Government meeting

Romanian citizens, men and women, aged between 18 and 35, will be able to request the Ministry of Defense to voluntarily participate in a basic military training program, according to a draft law that was on the agenda of yesterday's Government meeting. The program will last up to four months and is intended for those who have not completed active military service or in reserve. Participants will benefit from accommodation, food, equipment, medical assistance and a monthly allowance, identical to that of military personnel on active duty. At the end, they will receive a single allowance equivalent to three average gross salaries and will be included in the operational reserve. The number of places will be established annually, depending on the available funds. The project amends Law no. 446/2006 on the preparation of the population for defense.

• New National Defense Law

Also on the agenda was the draft of the new national defense law, aimed at harmonizing the legislation with NATO and EU requirements. The document redefines national defense and introduces updated approaches to hybrid security.

"The solutions envisioned by this draft law comprehensively define national defense. New approaches to the specific relations in the field of defense have also been introduced, at both the conceptual and institutional levels," the explanatory memorandum states. According to the draft, in the event of threats or dangers that may affect the sovereignty, independence or national, unitary and indivisible character of the Romanian state, until the establishment of a state of emergency, a state of siege or the declaration of mobilization or a state of war, public authorities and institutions gradually implement appropriate measures according to the areas of competence established by the organization and functioning legislation. The Parliament will decide, upon the proposal of the President and after consulting the CSAT, the use of military and non-military capabilities on or outside the national territory to counter hybrid threats.