Economy Minister, company management and union leaders seek to sharpen Romania's defense-industry competitiveness
Minister of Economy Irineu Darau said on Thursday he wants an open dialogue with company management and union representatives to identify ways to boost the competitiveness of Romania's defense industry. A new consultation meeting between official. . .
Minister of Economy Irineu Darau said on Thursday he wants an open dialogue with company management and union representatives to identify ways to boost the competitiveness of Romania's defense industry. A new consultation meeting between officials of the Ministry of Economy, Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEDAT) and state-owned defense companies was held at ROMAERO, part of the Ministry's broader effort to define measures for modernization, efficiency and long-term competitiveness. Company leaders - CEOs and board chairs - joined union representatives for the discussions. According to MEDAT, Darau stressed the need for direct, realistic dialogue to help the sector overcome current bottlenecks and strengthen its position. "We are at the beginning of implementing SAFE and shaping future European and national instruments for the defense industry. It's the right moment to speak realistically about what lies ahead. We cannot claim that ROMARM is the most competitive company with no issues, but we also cannot say everything is failing. That's why I want an open dialogue with management and unions, so we can identify together the solutions that will increase the competitiveness of Romania's defense industry," Darau said. Talks focused on production capacity, investment needs, infrastructure modernization, workforce challenges, operational vulnerabilities and ways Romanian companies can leverage European programs aimed at strengthening the defense industrial and technological base. Company representatives outlined the situation of each enterprise, the main challenges they face and proposals for developing the national defense industry. Darau emphasized that problems should not be hidden or treated superficially. "We need to discuss how, over the next months and then years, we reach a higher level of competitiveness at ROMARM - and what today's obstacles are. If we want ROMARM or any subsidiary to be at the table when future opportunities arise, whether European or national funding, and to compete fairly with private operators, we must operate at a different level than today," he said. The meeting brought together representatives of ROMARM and its subsidiaries, as well as Avioane Craiova, IAR, IOR, ROMAERO, the Orastie Mechanical Plant and the Mangalia Naval Shipyard. Representatives of the Defense, Aeronautics and Naval Industry Trade Union Alliance also took part.