According to The Telegraph, Romania, in response to Russian drones violating its airspace during the conflict in Ukraine and Romanians repeatedly breaching its border, has passed a law authorizing its military to neutralize any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crossing its border illegally. Romania Journal. This decision highlights the rising tensions within the region. It also sets an example for other countries facing similar issues.
Drone Policy and Its Importance in Romania
Romania is very aware that Russian military activities could spill over to Ukraine. It reflects an increased security posture that the decision was made to allow for the neutralization or shooting down of Russian drones infringing on Romanian airspace.
The bold action taken by the Romanian parliament could encourage other countries that border conflict zones to take similar steps, leading to a possible further escalation in tensions between nations, including Russia, who are perceived to be aggressors.
New Romanian Law: The Key Facts
The Romanian parliament officially passed the law on February 26th. This gives the country the power to disable or destroy any drone that infringes the airspace of Bucharest. This law’s main purpose is to set clear rules for missions and military operations on Romanian soil during peacetime. The vote in the parliament was 81 in favour, 12 against and 2 abstentions. This indicates a relatively high level of support.
In Article 21, the new law states explicitly that: “An airplane without a crew member on board which illegally crosses Romania’s state border and enters the airspace of Romania without authorisation may be destroyed or neutralized, or the control can be taken.” The importance of this clause in understanding potential legal responses to drone intrusions is not to be underestimated.
In the legislation, there is a distinction between unmanned and human-piloted aircraft. Reuters reports that the protocol to address piloted vehicle involves a step-by-step approach. It includes identification of aircraft position, origin and attempted communication. The destruction of piloted vehicle is authorized only in the event that they launch an attack, or retaliate aggressively during intercept maneuvers.
The Kyiv independent, an online Ukrainian newspaper published in English, reported that the Kyiv Independent’s law was drafted in October 2024. This coincided with a rise in Russian border attacks.
In the course of the conflict, which lasted three years, there have been several reports of Russian drones violating Romanian airspace, some as recently as September 2024. Drone fragments have also been found in Romanian territory since July 2024. This highlights the real threat that these incursions pose.
Expert Comments and Public Reaction
Unidentified source said, “This justified change in policy reflects growing frustration about repeated Russian drone intrusions which have threatened Romanian citizens, and violated Romanian sovereignty, even though Bucharest has diplomatically tried to solve the problem.” Romania’s more aggressive stance sends a message to Moscow and NATO, that the country will not tolerate airspace violations. Romania has very limited options. This policy is a potential escalation path, but it also carries heightened risks.
Viktor Kovalenko expressed his opinion on X, formerly Twitter, as a former Ukrainian reporterThe Parliament of Romania (a NATO member) allowed the Armed Forces of that country to shoot down, control, or neutralize Russian attack drones which regularly enter Romanian airspace in order to perform flight maneuvers for better hitting targets on Ukraine’s border. The text of the new legislation mentions drones that “illegally enter airspace”. What does this mean? Does it still allow Russia to fly drones legally in Romanian airspace?” Kovalenko’s statements raise important questions on the possible interpretations and loopholes in the new legislation.
Mircea Abrudean (interim Senate Chair) shared his thoughts on Facebook.“We strengthen the defense of Romania!” “We are strengthening the defense of Romania!” Today, I presided over a plenary meeting in which we voted on and approved two important laws pertaining to national security. These were designed to enhance Romania’s defence capability and deter any threats. We keep the word we made to NLP and prioritize Romanian safety.
The first law governs the shooting down of drones which violate Romanian airspace. The second legislation allows the Romanian Army to work more effectively with NATO allies on Romanian territory during missions and operational military activities.
“Unfortunately the Senators AUR SOS POT once again showed that they were not real patriots and their security was not important to them. By their behavior, they demonstrated that they do not serve the Romanians but other interests! “The safety of Romania is not negotiable.”
Steps to follow for Romanian Drone Law
After obtaining parliamentary approval the new legislation passed will be sent to Ilie Bolojan, interim Romanian president for final assessment and implementation. The newly passed legislation will be submitted to interim Romanian President Ilie Bolojan for final review and enactment after parliamentary approval.