Romanian defence spending could reach 3% of GDP in 1-2 years, president says

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Romania's defence spending could reach 3% of GDP in stages in one to two years, interim President Ilie Bolojan said on Friday, signalling a further rise in its target as U.S. President Donald Trump presses NATO states to increase contributions.

The European Union and NATO member - which shares the longest land border with Ukraine - currently says it plans to raise defence spending to as much as 2.5% of economic output this year from a little over 2.2% in 2024.

NATO allies will discuss whether they should raise their overall 2% target at a summit in the Hague this summer, after Trump suggested they should aim as high as 5% - a target no NATO member meets.

"I believe the defence budget could rise in stages so that over one to two years it reaches 3% unless other increases are not needed under pressure," Bolojan told reporters during his first news conference since taking office.

Bolojan said a formula must be found so additional increases do not impact the budget deficit - Romania's is the biggest in the European Union.

Additional defence spending could come via infrastructure projects, including motorways with dual civilian and military use, he added.

He added that it was premature to discuss sending troops to Ukraine after a potential ceasefire. Several party leaders told Bolojan that parliament would not back any such move when he consulted them this week.

Bolojan is interim president until a re-run of a presidential election in May, after the first ballot was cancelled in December because of suspicions of Russian meddling in favour of the far-right front-runner.

The cancellation drew rebukes from members of Trump's administration who accused Romania of censoring free speech and political opponents.

Bolojan said the U.S. was an important partner and his administration was working to clarify Romania's position.

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie; Editing by Andrew Heavens)