ForMin Toiu, meeting with EU ambassadors accredited in Bucharest: Importance of parliamentary elections in Republic of Moldova on the agenda

 International and regional geopolitical developments, EU security and defense, support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, the Union's enlargement process, but also the EU's strategic approach to the Black Sea were the topics addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Toiu, at the working meeting with the heads of mission of the EU member states accredited in Bucharest.The meeting was organized in the context of Denmark holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), the discussions addressed current topics on the European agenda, such as international and regional geopolitical developments, EU security and defense, support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, the Union's enlargement process, the EU's strategic approach to the Black Sea, European competitiveness, the future EU Multiannual Financial Framework, and strengthening democratic resilience.In the context of the security situation generated by the continuation of the war of aggression launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the Minister of Foreign Affairs recalled the intense pace of the calendar of visits at the highest level in the recent period, emphasizing Romania's support for the continuation of peace efforts, for the multidimensional European assistance granted to Ukraine, as well as for the process of reconstruction and strengthening the country's internal resilience, the cited source informs.The Romanian minister also expressed during the meeting Romania's concern and full solidarity with Poland, following the violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones.Minister Oana Toiu recalled Romania's support for the objective of consolidating EU action in the field of security and defense policy, underlining the need for the steps in this area to be carried out in complementarity and synergy with NATO. In the context of the current efforts to consolidate the European defense industry sector, the head of diplomacy highlighted that Romania benefits from a consistent budgetary allocation within the SAFE financial mechanism (the second largest allocation among EU member states), which represents a success and a recognition of Romania's commitment to protecting regional security, the MAE press release reads.She highlighted, in this context, the importance Romania attaches to strengthening security on the Eastern Flank, as well as to starting the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Black Sea region as soon as possible, through joint participation in the development of the maritime security hub and other projects in the area. She highlighted the importance Romania attaches to these objectives, as a member state that has constantly advocated for the recognition at European level of the need for strategic, coherent, coordinated action in a region whose role is essential in the current European geopolitical context.Amidst the debates at the European Parliament level on the State of the Union 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the current decisive context for EU action, as well as the key role Romania attaches to a united, coordinated and solidary approach at European level, in support of a resilient Union, "stronger and continuously evolving", capable of providing security and prosperity to European citizens. Complementing the statements of the President of the European Commission in the assessment of the 100 days of mandate, summarized in the State of the Union 2025 speech, according to which "this is the moment when Europe must prove itself", Minister Oana Toiu said that the current moment and opportunities do not constitute a given in themselves, but require the Union to assume an even greater responsibility, the MAE press release informs.Toiu stressed the complementarity of defense allocations and the development of European competitiveness, as well as the major role of EU action both in the relationship with the Eastern partners and through the development of trade partnerships and integration processes with other areas of the world.The minister also stated that Romania pays priority attention to the development of regional interconnection projects with the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and other regional partners, such as the Vertical Gas Corridor.Oana Toiu also highlighted Romania's solid support for advancing the European path of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova by effectively opening, as soon as possible, the clusters related to the negotiation process. She highlighted the importance of the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, on September 28, for consolidating the clear pro-European strategic option assumed by the authorities of the Republic of Moldova and for continuing the significant progress achieved by this country on its path to accession to the European Union. She recalled the strong commitment of support transmitted for advancing this objective through the Declaration of the EU-Republic of Moldova Summit, of July 4, 2025, the said press release reports.At the same time, she emphasized the particular importance of ensuring a collective effort of support from the EU member states to protect the integrity of the upcoming elections from foreign interference and hybrid actions.The head of Romanian diplomacy also referred to the importance of a future Multiannual Financial Framework of the Union "for a stronger and wider Europe". She highlighted that this framework must be fully aligned with the major objectives at EU level, namely the development of EU competitiveness and resilience, through measures aimed at consolidating the Single Market and convergence at EU level, maintaining commitments within the framework of cohesion and agriculture policies, as well as support measures towards regional partners and for continuing the enlargement process.Last but not least, Minister Oana Toiu highlighted that the future European budget must ensure the perspective of a more competitive Union and realistically reflect the fact that the ambitions raised are achieved through consistent resources, the MAE press release also reads.  (Photo: www.mae.ro)