Romania’s Defense Minister Steps Down Amid CV Misrepresentation — Leadership Transition Comes at Critical Strategic Moment
Romanian Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu resigned over CV irregularities, prompting a leadership shift as Bucharest navigates drone incursions and prepares to leverage major EU defense financing.
Romania’s Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu resigned Friday after media reports uncovered false academic claims in his official biography — a development occurring at a sensitive period for European security policy.
In a statement, Moșteanu emphasized the decision was made to avoid internal distraction within the government during a time of elevated regional risk:
“I do not want discussions about my education and the mistakes I made many years ago to distract those who are now leading the country from their difficult mission.”
Local reporting indicates Moșteanu had listed a degree from Athenaeum University in Bucharest, despite never attending, and included studies at the Polytechnic University’s Faculty of Automation, though he exited the program prematurely.
His resignation comes only weeks after Lithuania’s defense minister was removed in a dispute over budget allocations — marking the second leadership turnover inside NATO’s eastern flank in short succession.
Romania’s Economy Minister Radu Miruță will assume the defense portfolio on an interim basis. The transition happens as Romania continues to manage Russian drone incursions into its airspace and approaches a critical EU deadline: member states must finalize and submit spending plans for the SAFE loans-for-weapons scheme within 48 hours.
Romania stands to be one of the largest recipients of the fund — potentially accessing up to €16.6 billion — making continuity and clarity of defense leadership strategically important for procurement planning and industry coordination.
