Abstract
This paper critically examines Romania’s participation in the European Defence Fund (EDF) within the broader framework of European defence integration. While the EDF represents the EU’s most ambitious defence-industrial policy initiative, aimed at fostering technological innovation and strategic autonomy, Romania’s engagement remains peripheral, raising concerns about its ability to align European defence cooperation with its national security interests. Despite formally endorsing EU defence initiatives, Romania has failed to capitalise on EDF funding due to institutional fragmentation, an underdeveloped national defence research and industry, and a strategic preference for government-to-government acquisitions from non-EU suppliers. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative data analysis of EDF financial allocations and participation rates with qualitative policy analysis of Romania’s defence strategy. Findings indicate that Romania’s marginal role in EDF consortia, absence of leadership positions, lack of defence industry networks and clusters, and an underdeveloped defence research sector have hindered its ability to align national security objectives with EU defence priorities. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to enhance Romania’s role in the EDF and ensure that participation in EU defence initiatives serves its long-term strategic interests.