Romania Pledges €2.5bn for Black Sea Airbase Upgrade, Regardless of U.S. Involvement

By Iulian Ernst in Bucharest

Romania will move forward with the €2.5 billion expansion of the Mihail Kogălniceanu military base close to the Black Sea, irrespective of whether U.S. or NATO forces are present or involved, as confirmed by the Ministry of National Defence (MApN) in a reply. ProTV New As released on April 28, this initiative aims to conclude by the year 2040.

Upon completion, the Mihail Kogălniceanu base is expected to become one of the alliance’s most strategically important military installations, situated near the Black Sea and close to the eastern flank of Nato.

Situated in Constanța County, the enlarged facility is designed to serve as a significant strategic center able to accommodate up to 10,000 troops and function like an entire military metropolis. According to statements made by MApN representatives, this development project is entirely funded by Romania and will be managed solely at a national level, without involving any present contribution from U.S. forces.

Currently, the contract for the new facilities stands at 31% completion. "All activities taking place at the military site are entirely Romania’s concern. The Americans have absolutely no role in this," stated the ministry.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (MApN) similarly responded to recent media speculation regarding the possible U.S. military pullout from Romania and Poland. They confirmed that they have yet to receive any formal notification from Washington. "To date, Romania hasn’t gotten any official word on this matter from the United States," said MApN. Consequently, without verified information, they are unable to provide an official stance concerning these news reports sourced through the press."

Even with the ambiguities in the wider geopolitical landscape, officials from Romania have reaffirmed their dedication to the initiative. They emphasize that this endeavor is crucial as a key long-term resource for NATO within the area.