President Iohannis, EIB president discuss security, defence industry in Ukraine war context

President Klaus Iohannis on Friday at the Cotroceni Palace welcomed a delegation of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, led by EIB President Nadia Calvino, on the occasion of which the interlocutors discussed topical issues on the European agenda, such as the green transition, digitisation, innovation, but also security and defence industry issues in the context of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine.According to a Presidential Administration press release, the head of state underlined the very good cooperation between Romania and the European Investment Bank, consolidated over more than three decades of partnership.During the discussions, the EIB's "consistent" portfolio in Romania was highlighted, focused on financing operational programmes, supporting private sector financing in areas important for Romania's economic and social development, such as transport, energy, health, urban development and education.On security and defence issues, Klaus Iohannis insisted on these dimensions and welcomed the launch by the EIB of the Strategic European Security Initiative (SESI) programme, which finances civil security infrastructure and advanced technology projects, the source said.The two officials stressed the need to invest in new technologies, taking into account the existing challenges related to the technologies of the future, an approach that will contribute to a relevant profile of the European Union in international markets.In the area of green transition, Romania is interested in continuing and developing cooperation with the EIB. Thus, it was stressed that the European Green Pact must bring prosperity for all and constructively involve citizens and the economic environment. The financing offered by the EIB should make the European economy stronger, through investments that support the development of green industries and economic competitiveness, the Presidential Administration's press release added.According to the source, the two dignitaries agreed that the implementation of the climate agenda is closely linked to increasing competitiveness and cohesion at EU level and stressed that the dialogue in the area of finance and green technology must be expanded with countries outside the Union for an inclusive and effective green transition.On Romania's priorities for cooperation with the EIB in the coming years, President Iohannis pointed to the regional competitive advantage that the country has in certain areas, where the partnership with the European Investment Bank can facilitate a number of ambitious projects already under implementation in transport infrastructure and health infrastructure.In turn, EIB President Nadia Calvino confirmed Romania's importance as a member state of the EIB Group and highlighted the potential for development and diversification of the financial services offered to the country, the Presidential Administration said.