In the 1980s, before the recession brought about by the transition to free markets, Romania was the 9th largest arms manufacturer in the world. Now, difficulties in meeting NATO armament specifications and the economic criteria for joining the EU have resulted in massive job losses in the defence industry, with concomitant security problems for the vast arms stockpiles.

Romania has adopted an aggressive arms export drive, selling to Bosnia-Herzogovina, India, Iraq and Pakistan. In particular SALW were exported between 1996 and 1999 to UNITA rebels in Angola via Togo and Burkina Faso, breaking UN sanctions. Other scandals have included arms sales to Rwanda and violent groups in Liberia and Northern Ireland.

In an effort to prevent stockpiles getting into the wrong hands, the government is working with Norway and the USA to destroy about 200,000 small arms and light weapons.

Organisations

UNDP Romania
SEESAC Romania

Other links

Report on the arms industry (2002) from Saferworld (PDF)