The memorandum to be signed on Wednesday by the defense ministers of Germany and Romania demonstrates that the two countries assume a common responsibility when it comes to European security, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, who is visiting Berlin.

Merz said that the bilateral discussions also aimed at combating hybrid threats from Russia, whether it is disinformation, cyber operations or airspace violations on NATO's Eastern Flank.

'Germany and Romania are responding firmly to these challenges. Thus, it is already the fourth time that Germany contributes with Eurofighter aircraft to the monitoring of Romanian airspace. Today, our defense ministers are also meeting in Berlin, they will sign a memorandum of understanding on arms exports. This demonstrates that we assume a common responsibility when it comes to the security of Europe and our countries, because our countries are not only interconnected from a defense point of view, but also economically', the Federal Chancellor emphasized.

According to him, Romania has a major contribution to European security. He expressed his gratitude for this on behalf of himself, but also of the Federal Government.

'This is a new era of great power politics, in which our freedom, security and well-being are no longer a given. This collaboration is needed. Few EU countries feel this so clearly and so much in their daily lives as Romania,' said Friedrich Merz.

Romania and Germany support Ukraine politically, financially, humanitarianly and militarily, the Federal Chancellor added.

'We are helping our Ukrainian friends in these harsh winter days, when Russia is systematically attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has plunged this country into a humanitarian crisis. In this sense, through its energy supplies, Romania is making a major contribution to Ukraine,' the German official said.

The federal government has stepped up support for Ukraine's energy and air defense systems, added Friedrich Merz.

'As part of our winter package for 2026, we have allocated an additional amount of 160 million euros to the energy support fund of Ukraine, with which the necessary equipment for thermal energy can be urgently purchased. We are also delivering cogeneration plants and modular systems for kindergartens, for hospitals, for schools, because Ukraine is attacked by Russia every day,' he said.

At the same time, Germany is delivering air defense systems, interceptor drones, armored vehicles, ammunition and other equipment that Ukraine urgently needs.

'We therefore continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and we want the fighting to stop. We want Russia to remain at the negotiating table and to be ready to stop this war, through a ceasefire. We want security for Europe, we want peace in Ukraine and it is very good that the negotiations between Ukrainians and Russians started in Abu Dhabi continue. We also want to contribute, together with our European partners, to ending the war as soon as possible', Merz highlighted. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Irinela Visan; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)