Regulating Defence Procurement in Romania: From Normative Inertia to Deliberative Problem-solving

Abstract

This article examines the developments, or lack thereof, in Romania’s defence procurement system since the Defence Directive was implemented in 2011. Until recently, there have been precious few changes. But the war in Ukraine has the potential to stimulate much-needed reforms. Such reforms require legislation, which is never fast or easy. Meantime, however, practitioners are already applying and interpreting the existing laws and regulations in highly creative ways. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine initiated a rethink about the Romanian defence establishment, and going forward its defence procurement will be characterised not by inertia but by a need for greater speed, flexibility, and above all pragmatism.