Description
In October 2024, Romania has published its second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2024-2028). This is just one of the latest efforts made by Romania to be recognised as a pro-active actor in implementing the UNSCR 1325 after serving as a co-chair of the WPS Focal Point Network in 2024 together with the United States of America, Switzerland and South Africa. It is also the first National Action Plan published in a new security environment shaped by Russia’s aggression on Ukraine which threatens heavily Romania’s security given its geostrategic role in the Black Sea region. Building on feminist security studies, this paper examines Romania’s strengths and opportunities in implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda (WPS) to understand what it reveals about Romania’s priorities when it comes to its security and defence policy, its role in the Black Sea region, and its role in NATO. Key questions include: What role does WPS play in Romania’s security and defence policy? How is Romania using WPS to respond to current security environment? Does WPS enhance Romania’s defence posture and it what ways it does so?
