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Florentina Peia reports: President Klaus Iohannis had a meeting on Friday with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola discussing security developments in the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood, support for the Republic of Moldova in its European aspirations, energy security, with a focus on the latest proposal of European Commission regarding taxonomy, the package of measures to combat climate change and the enlargement of the Schengen Area.
According to the Presidential Administration, the head of state spoke in favour of continuing the close cooperation with the European Parliament on the relevant files on the European agenda, in order to identify pragmatic, balanced and consensual solutions.
"President Klaus Iohannis reiterated Romania's major interest in joining the Schengen Area, while expressing appreciation for the well-known position of the European Parliament in favour of our country's accession," the same source said.
The head of state also presented a brief report of the current security challenges facing the Union's Eastern Neighbourhood, underscoring the importance of maintaining the unity and solidarity of EU member states, as well as the importance of a close coordination with transatlantic partners.
"President Klaus Iohannis has called for a common EU approach aimed at preparing firm and credible measures to ease the situation on Ukraine's eastern border, including sanctions," the same press release said.
He reiterated the importance of "active" support, including through financial assistance, from the European Union for the European path of the Republic of Moldova and the efforts of President Maia Sandu and the Chisinau government to continue reforms.
Regarding the package of measures meant to combat climate change, President Iohannis spoke in favour of identifying flexible solutions, balanced and adjusted to national circumstances, which would allow further development efforts. In this regard, he highlighted the important role of nuclear energy and natural gas resources in the process of transitioning to a climate-neutral economy, showing that Romania "strongly" supports this approach, which represents "a key issue" when speaking of energy security. The head of state reiterated the importance of the European Parliament's support for the current European Commission proposal on taxonomy, which includes both gas and the nuclear sector.
Klaus Iohannis congratulated Roberta Matsola on her recent election as President of the European Parliament, while voicing his appreciation for her ambitious goals and priorities for strengthening the European Union.
In her turn, the President of the EP showed openness for an active collaboration with our country on the files of common interest and, at the same time, she reaffirmed hers and the European Parliament's support for Romania's accession to Schengen, the Presidential Administration mentions.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of President Iohannis' participation in the 6th European Union-African Union Summit, which takes place on Thursday and Friday in Brussels, Agerpres informs.
