Romania is joining with a contribution of 50 million euros to the „List of Priority Procurements Necessary for the Defense of Ukraine” (PURL), a program proposed by the United States at the request of President Donald Trump, who insisted that NATO countries pay for American weaponry provided to Kiev.

The decision was adopted by Government Decision, and the allocation is made in accordance with the budget ceiling for 2025. Romania thus joins the majority of European allies and other states supporting this initiative, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The PURL mechanism is “a foreign policy and security instrument of major importance” for the U.S. administration, in the context of promoting a fair sharing of security responsibilities among allies, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Through this mechanism, the U.S. aims for “direct and measurable involvement of partner states in supporting Ukraine” and creating a coordinated framework of action based on “efficiency, predictability, and strategic responsibility.”

Romania’s contribution to PURL will support, by strengthening Ukraine’s capabilities, the achievement and maintenance of lasting peace in Ukraine, as mentioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The program allows for joint allocations through the NATO budget and follows on from subsequent allied initiatives after the Helsinki Summit, a priority reiterated even during the visit of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Romania.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romania’s participation in the PURL mechanism “directly contributes to strengthening regional security” and is “fully in line with Romania’s commitments within NATO and the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America.”

Additionally, this creates conditions for benefits in terms of national security, including by “increasing institutional interoperability” and “strengthening the capacity to respond to hybrid and conventional threats.”

What is the PURL Mechanism

This initiative, jointly established by NATO and the United States, was launched in August after Donald Trump called on the EU to pay for the purchase of American weapons destined for Ukraine.

NATO countries finance arms acquisitions from the U.S. through the PURL program, which are then delivered to Ukraine. The United States provides access to its own arms production, and allies pay separately or jointly for acquisitions, in line with Ukraine’s requirements.

So far, six NATO countries have funded four defense support packages for Ukraine, totaling over two billion dollars under the PURL program, according to the Ukrainian presidential office.

The first package, worth 578 million dollars, was funded by the Netherlands;The second, worth 495 million dollars, was funded by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden;The third package, worth 500 million dollars, was paid by Germany;The fourth – 500 million dollars – was announced by Canada.

Deliveries of the first two packages began in mid-September. Additionally, the United States has already finalized with Canada and Germany the composition of the third and fourth packages.