According to him, the European solutions to the present-day challenges are solutions for the future of the citizens of this continent and Romania has the capability of significantly contributing to their implementation. Romania is a mature and responsible member of the European Union, has a solid and credible European profile, acknowledged and appreciated by its partners – Klaus Iohannis went on to say.
The president has also voiced hope that by interiorizing these reference points, the Romanian citizens will continue to have an unflinching support for the EU’s fundamental values.
The European Parliament convened in a plenary sitting and celebrated Europe Day in Strasbourg. Invited to present his vision on the challenges and the future of the old continent, German chancellor Olaf Scholz, whose country laid the foundations in the early 50s to what was to become the EU, he urged the bloc to reform itself, not to cave in to pressure and remain geopolitically an equal partner both in the relation with the USA and the competition with China.
And since an aggression war is being waged in the EU’s vicinity, a war that has changed lives, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen celebrated Europe Day through a visit to Kyiv where she said, quote: „Ukraine has been fighting for the ideals that we celebrate today to create lasting unity and peace.” Von der Leyen added that Russia „has dramatically failed” and Ukraine „is fighting back successfully.”
Furthermore, the EU official announced the EU would impose an eleventh package of sanctions on Russia soon aimed at eroding Putin’s war machine and his revenues. She responded cautiously though to president Zelensky’s request on stepping up the country’s EU accession negotiations.
The Ukrainian president has thanked all the European states for the military, economic and political support granted to Ukraine but showed disappointment regarding the restrictions imposed by some neighboring countries to the exports of Ukrainian grain. Romania was not among them. Zelensky says that he understands those exports have caused imbalances but Ukraine needs the solidarity of all those who can help it.
(Roxana Vasile, Radio Romania International)
