Romania’s Prime Minister on a visit to Brussels

The Romanian Prime Minister paid an official visit to Brussels, where he met with the NATO Secretary General and the President of the European Parliament

Corina Cristea, 19.11.2024, 13:50

NATO welcomes Romania’s continuous efforts and its significant contribution to strengthening the Alliance and Euro-Atlantic security, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, said during talks with Romania’s Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who on Monday paid an official visit to Brussels. Romania is determined to prove it is a reliable ally and a security provider in the region and beyond, the Romanian official said in turn, adding that, in addition to allocating 2.5% of GDP to the defense sector, investments in this field will continue. The Romanian Prime Minister also said that NATO’s robust presence in Romania is a guarantee that every inch of the country’s territory is fully defended.

“The violations of Allied airspace and Russia’s aggressive posture in the Black Sea show how important it is to deploy additional troops in the area and to offer a solid and united response at NATO level. In this context, I told the Secretary General that Romania understands and respects its commitments and is solidary with our allies and partners”. Romania contributes not only to strengthening the eastern flank, but much more, as its soldiers actively participate in NATO missions in different areas, the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, said, hailing Bucharest’s firm support to Ukraine.

„You invest more than 2% – I believe it is now getting to 2.5% of your GDP – on defense. You host one of NATO’s battlegroups, and in addition, your soldiers make a vital contribution to NATO missions, particularly in Kosovo, but also in Iraq and other places”.

In Brussels, the Romanian Prime Minister met with the President-elect of the European Council, António Costa, and also with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. During the meeting, Marcel Ciolacu said an ambitious, coherent European agenda is needed now more than ever, solidarity between member states, as well as actions in the interest of EU citizens. Romania shares the European Union’s concern for reducing the gaps between regions and social groups, as well as for ensuring a just green transition for all. These objectives should be financed from the post-2025 multiannual budget, the Romanian official also pointed out. At the same time, Marcel Ciolacu told President Metsola that Romania’s full Schengen accession this year remains a fundamental goal, while another top priority is the advancement of strategic interconnectivity projects in the Black Sea region. (VP)