Foreign Minister Toiu: We need clarity, unity in Romania; NATO, EU, Transatlantic Partnership are essential

 Romania needs 'clarity and unity', not only at a declarative level but also in the decisions it takes, while its anchoring in NATO, the European Union and the Transatlantic Partnership remains essential in the current context marked by transformation and security challenges, Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said on Monday.'When we speak about unity, when it comes to leadership and decision-makers, we cannot simply include this word in speeches. Unity around key objectives for Romania means the ability to take difficult decisions; it means the maturity to accept that those decisions have consequences shared by all those involved. Especially as we are talking about a country that has reached maturity as a member of the European Union, a country with over five million Romanians living abroad, which means that whenever people assess the quality of a public service or a political decision, they do so by comparison with others. And I do not say this as a criticism of Romania. Romania is an extraordinary country with extraordinary people. Since the 1990s, we have managed together to increase our gross domestic product tenfold. (...) Using the word ?unity' at a time when even the unity of the Government is being debated may indeed be ironic, but it is also necessary. Much has also been said and rightly about Romania's anchoring in NATO and the European Union,' Toiu stated at the official opening of the 'Bucharest Leaders' Summit: United for a Better World'.The Foreign Minister stressed that Romania is closer than ever to joining the club of developed economies.'We have been working for more than 10 years within the Romanian Government on Romania's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and we will achieve this objective. We have completed 24 out of 25 reviews. Romania is closer than ever to joining the club of developed economies. However, if we consider the word ?anchoring' in its literal sense, you must be anchored to something stable when the waves are moving. The reality is that Romania's anchoring in NATO, the European Union and the Transatlantic Partnership is essential. At the same time, we must recognise that this is not a legacy like inheriting a diamond ring from one's ancestors. It is a different kind of legacy - more like a house under construction, where we are rightly expected to contribute effort, decisions, investments and strategic clarity alongside all those with whom we are building it. Not only does Romania need NATO, the European Union and the Transatlantic Partnership, but today, as we speak, both NATO and the European Union also need Romania,' the Foreign Minister added.In her view, the European Union is the most successful political and economic project between nations in the world.'NATO is the strongest defensive alliance in the world. Romania is part of the European Union and NATO as a co-decision-maker. We have earned this role and we use it. But there is a need for clarity and unity in Romania, not only at the declarative level but also in the decisions we take. In the coming days - and especially at a conference focused on sustainability - we must speak about things that endure over time,' Toiu said.According to her, over the next 100 days '10 billion euros is on the table, funds that can still be saved from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) for hospitals, schools and necessary reforms'.'In the next eight days, the B9 summit will take place in Bucharest, bringing together leaders from the eastern flank along with the Nordic countries; Secretary General Mark Rutte has accepted the invitation of President Nicusor Dan to coordinate requirements and proposals ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara this summer,' Toiu added.The Foreign Minister also noted that in the coming weeks Romania must finalise its plan to modernise and strengthen the capabilities of the Romanian Armed Forces, 'because it is not acceptable, and will never be acceptable, for Russia to send its drones into our airspace'.'This is also a remark related to political debate, but it stems from the responsibility to contribute to Romanians' safety through our diplomatic efforts and Romania's voice in the world. The parliamentarians you have seen so determined to ?defend' Romania from European funds - did they make equally strong statements when Russian drones entered Romanian airspace? When we speak about protecting the Romanian people, this is what we mean first and foremost. How is it possible that some parliamentarians are vocal when it comes to European funds and investments, yet fall silent when firmness and clarity are needed in response to Russia sending drones into Romania's airspace? These are not nuanced or complex matters. The situation is clear when you look at it plainly,' Toiu added.In her view, the most encouraging aspect of these times, and of Romania's political, economic and civil society environment, is that whenever Romanians are asked, they clearly state that 'Romania is firmly committed to the pro-European path'.'Whenever Romanians are asked, they clearly express trust in NATO today and in the future. Whenever they are asked, they say they want transparency and honesty. They measure performance by the quality of their daily lives and public services, and no political statement, background noise or passing wave can change that. Because yes, we are anchored in the European Union, NATO and the Transatlantic Partnership, but the strongest anchor Romania has is the ever-rising expectations of its citizens, who ask us all to remain united for a better world as they define it - by how we build the future for their children,' Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said.