. national or regional level, but also at global level. 8. National security cannot be ensured individually by a sole state, the new challenges of the security environment require effective and efficient collaboration within international cooperation mechanisms and formats. 9. In order to responsibly manage the impact of such strategic surprises, beyond knowledge of evolutions in the security environment, national cohesion and consensus are needed more than ever in facing vital issues for our country. 10. In order to secure necessary resources in the security field, a strong market economy is required, based on free initiative and transparent competition. 11. The strategy aims to set forth the necessary steps for strengthening Romania’s strategic credibility, by promoting continuity and predictability derived from our NATO and EU membership statute. The extension and consolidation of the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America and of other strategic partnerships are also necessary, along with those of cooperation relations with the other international players. 12. From this perspective, objectives and lines of action regarding national security aim at the consolidation of military and national civil capacities by standards that allow the prevention, deterrence, and defense against any aggressive actions targeting our country. Of equal importance are Romania’s active participation in collective defense within NATO, in implementing the solidarity and mutual assistance clause under the provisions of the European Union Lisbon Treaty, as well as in developing the European Common Security and Defense Policy, and the operations related to ensuring the European space of freedom, security and justice. 13. The Strategy defines national security interests and objectives, presents an evaluation of the security environment, identifies the main threats, risks and vulnerabilities related to Romania’s fundamental interests and lays out the main lines of action for ensuring national security. 14. The Strategy represents a moral and political duty, taking into consideration that the centennial of the Union of the Romanian Principalities will be celebrated in 2018, and the fact that in 2019, for the first time, Romania will take over the presidency of The Council of the European Union, more than a decade since its EU accession. 6