President Nicusor Dan on Friday is attending the European Union-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro.
According to the Presidential Administration, Romania's participation in this summit reaffirms the country's firm support for the accession of the entire Western Balkans region to the European Union, as well as that of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and encourages all partners to make full use of the support provided by the EU and the current geopolitical context.
During the discussions, President Nicusor Dan will reiterate that EU enlargement is a strategic investment in the security and prosperity of the entire European continent. However, it is essential that the accession process remains merit-based, founded on the rigorous fulfilment of the necessary standards and the commitment of candidate countries to a pro-European strategic direction, including full alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the implementation of restrictive measures against the Russian Federation, the Presidential Administration stressed.
The meeting in Tivat will provide an opportunity to assess the progress achieved so far in the accession process. In this context, the head of state will underline the importance of candidate countries continuing structural reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law.
At the same time, in order to strengthen resilience in the current geopolitical environment, Nicusor Dan will advocate greater energy and transport connectivity between the EU and the Western Balkans through the identification of new areas for gradual integration.
EU leaders and their Western Balkan counterparts are meeting six months after the previous summit, which took place in Brussels, reaffirming the strength of their relationship.
The summit will be chaired by President of the European Council Antonio Costa and hosted by President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic. The EU will be represented by the President of the European Council and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. High Representative Kaja Kallas will also attend, according to the European Council website.
The theme of the summit is 'Shared Prosperity and Stability of the EU and the Western Balkans.'
During the working lunch, leaders will discuss EU enlargement. The occasion will provide an opportunity for the EU to reiterate its full and unequivocal commitment to the Western Balkans' EU accession perspective.
Leaders are expected to assess progress in the gradual integration of the Western Balkans into the EU and consider ways to advance this process further, particularly through the Western Balkans Growth Plan.
They will also examine ways of addressing common challenges and strengthening security and resilience in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
Comentează