Russia is 'trying to intimidate Romania' and 'we are seeing drones sent by Russia or jammed by Russia precisely to fuel pressure for a rapid vote on a government, even if it is a weak one,' PNL MEP Siegfried Muresan wrote Friday on Facebook, after the explosion in Constanta Port of a Ukrainian maritime drone that, according to the Ukrainian Navy, veered off course following Russian electronic-warfare jamming.

In his view, Russia is using hybrid aggression in Romania 'just as it did in the Republic of Moldova'. 'After Moldova launched pro-European reforms and applied for EU membership, Russia intensified hybrid attacks and used gas deliveries as political leverage, with the clear objective of forcing Chisinau to abandon its European path and return to Moscow's sphere of influence,' Muresan argued.

'The Republic of Moldova did not give in. Russia failed,' he wrote, adding that Romania now faces an important moment, as it needs reforms to strengthen the state, the economy and public institutions, as well as investments to enhance national security and defence - measures he says were initiated by Prime Minister Bolojan.

The MEP argues that 'it is therefore no surprise that the Bolojan government - the most reform-oriented in the past 30 years - was removed with the votes of anti-European and pro-Russian parties in Parliament'.

'Now Russia continues its aggression. It is trying to intimidate Romania. We are seeing drones sent by Russia or jammed by Russia precisely to increase pressure for a quick vote on a government, even if it is a weak one, unable to implement reforms,' said Muresan, who is also a Vice-President of the European People's Party group in the European Parliament.

The goal, he added, is the same as in Moldova: to prompt a hasty reaction, derail reform efforts and weaken the country.

'We must not give in to aggression, blackmail or intimidation. We must continue reforms, strengthen our institutions and invest in our security,' he wrote, adding that 'Russia is not defeated when we are afraid; Russia is defeated when we become stronger'.

'Romania will not be safe with a government voted in haste. Romania will be safe if it continues reforms that make the country more efficient and less corrupt. Romania becomes safer if it continues measures that strengthen security and defence, such as the EU SAFE program,' the MEP concluded his message.

The Ukrainian Navy confirmed that the drone went out of control during its mission due to Russian electronic-warfare jamming, causing it to drift toward the Romanian coast before exploding. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Sorin Popescu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)