Romanian president stresses importance of Black Sea for regional security during European Council talks

Romanian president Klaus Iohannis was present on Thursday, June 27, during discussions at the European Council, where he highlighted the importance of the Black Sea for regional security, as well as for the security of the entire European Union, especially in the current geopolitical context.

The main topics on the agenda were appointments for leadership positions within European institutions for the next institutional cycle, the adoption of the European Union's Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029, the situation in Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defense, competitiveness, and migration.

Regarding the appointments package for the next institutional cycle, the president of Romania emphasized the importance of respecting political and geographical balance at the leadership level of European institutions. In the end, former Portuguese prime minister António Costa was elected president of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen was designated for a new term as president of the European Commission, and Kaja Kallas, the prime minister of Estonia, was designated as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

During the discussion on the Strategic Agenda of the Union for 2024-2029, president Klaus Iohannis said that the document must reflect the shared commitment to continue efforts towards a stronger, more resilient, and more influential Union on the international stage, according to a press release from the presidency.

Additionally, the president of Romania stressed that the new Strategic Agenda must highlight the advancement of the enlargement policy, as well as the Union's unity regarding support for Ukraine and the importance of cooperation between the EU and NATO.

The Strategic Agenda adopted by the leaders sets priorities for guiding the Union's activities over the next five years on the following coordinates: promoting and protecting the Union's values internally and globally, ensuring coherent and influential external action, strengthening security and defense, protecting European citizens, advancing the enlargement policy and preparing the Union accordingly, consolidating a comprehensive approach to migration, stimulating European competitiveness, advancing the dual climate and digital transitions, and promoting an innovation-friendly environment and business development.

In the context of the discussion on the situation in Ukraine, president Klaus Iohannis insisted on the necessity of continuing support for Ukraine as long as necessary, at all levels, with particular emphasis on ensuring an adequate response to immediate military needs, especially concerning air defense.

He also voiced the need to continue and expand support for Moldova and welcomed the remarkable progress achieved by Moldova, including on the path to EU membership, despite the multiple challenges it faces from the Russian Federation.