President Iohannis emphasizes in Brussels strategic importance of Black Sea region

President Klaus Iohannis emphasized in Thursday's discussions at the European Council the crucial importance of the Black Sea for regional security, but also for the security of the entire European Union, especially in the current geopolitical context, and insisted on a new strategic approach to the Black Sea at European level.The leaders set as an objective for the future European Commission and the High Representative to prepare a Joint Communication on a European Union strategy for the Black Sea region, the conclusions "representing a result of Romania's sustained diplomatic efforts in recent months", shows the Presidential Administration.As regards the package of appointments for the next institutional cycle, the Romanian president emphasized the need for "a fast and predictable process, that will ensure the efficient and credible functioning of the European institutions in the transition to the next institutional cycle, but also in the long term". He referred, at the same time, to "the importance of respecting the political and geographical balance at the level of the European institutions' leadership and appreciated that their future leaders must show vision and determination in achieving common goals".During the discussion on the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, Klaus Iohannis emphasized that the document "must reflect the common commitment to continue efforts towards a stronger, more resilient and more influential Union at international level". He also emphasized that the new Strategic Agenda must highlight the advancement of the enlargement policy, but also the unity of the Union in terms of support for Ukraine and the importance of cooperation between the EU and NATO.In the context of the discussion on the situation in Ukraine, the president of Romania insisted on the need to continue support for the neighboring country as long as necessary, on all levels, with a particular emphasis on ensuring an adequate response to immediate military needs, especially in terms of air defense. The Romanian president pointed out that, from our country's perspective, the adoption of the negotiation frameworks and the organization of the first Intergovernmental Conferences for the opening of accession negotiations with both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova represent a confirmation of concrete support for the two states, an important investment in their future, but also in the future of the EU.He also emphasized the need to continue and extend support to the Republic of Moldova and welcomed the remarkable progress achieved by the Republic of Moldova, including on the path to EU accession, despite the multiple challenges it faces from the Russian Federation.In reference to the situation in the Middle East, the Romanian president highlighted the importance of a balanced and principled EU positioning in relation to the situation in the Middle East and the prevention of further escalation and expansion in the region. In this regard, Klaus Iohannis supported the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2735 as a rapid solution to the grave humanitarian situation and emphasized the need to continue coordination with the United States of America and other like-minded actors in order to start an irreversible political process based on a two-state solution.In the discussions on security and defense, the president strongly supported the strengthening of the EU's profile in these areas, underlining the need to ensure adequate funding. In this regard, he called for exploring all available financing options, including through the European Investment Bank, to strengthen the defense technological and industrial base. At the same time he emphasized the importance of advancing these efforts while ensuring interoperability and complementarity with NATO.In relation to European competitiveness, Klaus Iohannis reiterated the essential nature of the principles of convergence and cohesion, as well as connectivity as basic factors in strengthening and deepening the single market, reducing disparities and stimulating sustainable growth.