President Iohannis meets EU states' ambassadors, tackles pandemic, energy prices, situation on EU border

President Klaus Iohannis met today with the ambassadors of EU member states accredited to Bucharest, with whom he tackled mainly the topics that will be on the agenda of the European Council summit on December 16 - 17: the COVID-19 pandemic, energy prices, the tense situation on the EU border, the Presidential Administration informs.

President Iohannis also presented Romania's priorities and expectations of the Eastern Partnership Summit due in Brussels on December 15.

With regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, the head of the state voiced appreciation for the efforts of the European Commission and the Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council towards European coordination, and also referred to the latest developments marked by the emergence of a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emphasizing in this context the importance of maintaining the member states' unity, close coordination and constant dialogue so that the free movement or the Union's internal market stay unaffected.

"The President of Romania highlighted the need for the vaccination campaign to continue by raising awareness of the benefits of vaccination and by combating misinformation," said the Presidential Administration.

Iohannis remarked that the rising energy prices remain a topical issue that will be addressed again at the upcoming European Council meeting.

"The situation is concerning and the social and economic consequences are obvious and significantly affect not only vulnerable consumers, but also competitiveness at national and EU level. In this regard, the President of Romania reiterated that short- and medium-term solutions are needed, capable to prevent potential disruptions in energy supply and reduce the effect of the rising energy prices on consumers," the cited release notes.

The head of the state also emphasized the role of nuclear energy and natural gas as options for an accessible energy transition and evoked Romania's commitment and engagement in the joint effort on climate change, by using all the available financial instruments and resources.

Upon approaching the situation on the EU border, President Iohannis condemned the weaponization of migration by the Belarusian regime, with effect on several EU member states, and reaffirmed Romania's full solidarity with the directly affected member states, stressing the importance of a unified response to these threats.

"President Klaus Iohannis noted that the security situation on the border with Ukraine remains a matter of concern and that efforts to de-escalate the situation but also strengthen collective defense within NATO must continue," the cited source said.

Referring to the Eastern Partnership Summit next week, the President pointed out the need for an agreement on a long-term strategic vision that focuses on solidarity in the face of common challenges, concrete projects and support for reform efforts in those partner states that are fully committed to European integration. In this context, President Iohannis reiterated Romania's strong support for the European course of the Republic of Moldova.

The meeting of the head of the Romanian state with the ambassadors of the EU member states was occasioned by the Slovenian Presidency of the EU Council coming to end within short.

"The President of Romania congratulated the Slovenian Presidency for its efforts to advance the European agenda in a period marked by many challenges at Union level. President Klaus Iohannis also wished the future French Presidency of the Council success," the Presidential Administration said.

(Fluierul)