European Commission's president visits Romania, country's strategic role on eastern flank of NATO reaffirmed (summary)

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was in Romania for a few hours on Monday afternoon, as part of a tour that aimed to highlight the EU's support for member states facing challenges due to the fact that they share borders with Russia or Belarus.

Since Friday, the head of the European Commission has visited Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania and Bulgaria, agerpres reports.

In Romania, Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed on Monday by President Nicusor Dan, at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base. The two officials visited the King Ferdinand Frigate, the 57th Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base and the Constanta Military Port, strategic objectives for regional security.

According to a release from the Ministry of Defense, issued to AGERPRES, the discussions focused on the military dimension of EU policy, the development of the European arms industry and the strengthening of the defense and deterrence posture.

The importance of Romania's strategic role as the main logistical hub for supporting Ukraine's reconstruction efforts was reaffirmed.

A central point of the discussions was the European financial instrument SAFE (Security Action for Europe), which offers Romania major strategic opportunities.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed Romania's involvement in maintaining security on the eastern flank.

"Help us keep Europe safe by air and sea on the Black Sea. Romania is an asset for European security and a key partner on NATO's eastern flank," Ursula von der Leyen told a press conference.

President Nicusor Dan, in turn, emphasized that Romania would be able to host the European security hub.

"We are glad that the European Union has adopted, at Romania's proposal, a strategy for the Black Sea, which we want to operationalize as soon as possible. Within this strategy, we want the European security hub that this strategy speaks of to be located in Romania, in Constanta, on the Black Sea," President Nicusor Dan said.

The head of state emphasized that Romania can contribute, through its geographical position, to the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"We also talked a little about the reconstruction of Ukraine. Romania can, through its geographical position, contribute to this process. The port of Constanta - which is the largest port on the Black Sea and the Danube - connects with Western Europe and offers a cheap means of transport, which will be useful during the reconstruction of Ukraine", Nicusor Dan said.

He added that Romania would start extracting gas from the Black Sea in 2027, which will lead to the energy security of the country, but also of Europe.

"We are on the Black Sea, which is extremely important for Romania and for Europe, important because, starting in 2027, Romania will start extracting gas and this will contribute to the energy security of Romania and Europe. It is important because it is the simplest, most direct communication, when it will be secure, between Europe and Central Asia," President Nicusor Dan also said.

In the context of her visit to Romania, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also welcomed, on Monday, the country's efforts to reduce the budget deficit.

"You have worked hard to keep the deficit under control. You have promoted reforms and are modernizing your economy. We welcome these efforts. Romania has what it takes to put its economy on the right track and, more than that, you have the political will, the most important ingredient. Together we are working to make the best use of the new generation of European funds and we will continue to work closely to ensure a prosperous future for the Romanian people," said Ursula von der Leyen.

The Government pledged its responsibility on Monday, before the joint session of Parliament, for the second package of measures aimed at reducing the budget deficit.