EU seeks urgent solutions for energy and security

The European Council meets today in Brussels, in a meeting with major stakes for the future of the European Union, with critical issues such as economic competitiveness, the Middle East conflict and its global implications, support for Ukraine, European security and defence, and the future EU budget for 2028-2034 on the leaders' agenda, in an international context marked by increasing tensions, volatility and economic pressures.

The Middle East conflict dominates the agenda of European leaders, with both the risks of escalation and the impact on energy markets and economic stability being analysed, while the situation in Gaza and the security of European citizens in the region remain immediate priorities, against the backdrop of extremely fragile geopolitical dynamics.

Another key point is the continuation of support for Ukraine, including discussions on the release of the first tranche of the previously agreed 90 billion euro financial package, with Romania advocating for maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions and for strengthening support for Kiev, in a joint effort to defend European stability.

At the same time, European leaders are analyzing the necessary measures to strengthen the security and defense of the Union, through better coordination of investments in the industry and by increasing military mobility, with Romania firmly supporting the consolidation of the Eastern Flank and security in the Black Sea region, in close complementarity with NATO.

Against the backdrop of these interconnected themes, the meeting also includes a discussion with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on geopolitical developments and the role of multilateralism, at a time when the international order is under unprecedented pressure.

The meeting will also be attended by the President of Romania, Nicuşor Dan, who, according to a press release issued by the Presidential Administration, will present our country's position in relation to the major issues under debate, with an emphasis on the need for urgent measures to reduce energy prices, protect economic competitiveness and ensure energy security by diversifying sources and developing interconnectivity at European level, but also on limiting the economic impact of external conflicts on inflation, trade chains and citizens' living standards.

The discussions on economic competitiveness, the central theme of the meeting, aim to transform previous conclusions into concrete decisions and clear deadlines, given that the European economy is increasingly feeling the pressure of high energy costs and global competition, and Romania supports a pragmatic approach that avoids market distortions and guarantees secure access to resources, without risky dependencies or dominant positions.

At the same time, on the sidelines of this event, President Nicuşor Dan will have a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Alliance headquarters, the discussions will focus on security developments in the region, especially on the Eastern Flank and in the Black Sea area, as well as on measures to strengthen deterrence and collective defense, Romania reaffirming its status as a strategic ally and its commitment to actively contribute to regional stability, including through support for Ukraine and vulnerable partners, such as the Republic of Moldova.