Romania, while holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union, aims to promote political, social and economic cohesion between the member states and all the European citizens, Romania’s Ambassador in Chisinau Daniel Ioniță stated in an event held to announce the main priorities of the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU on January 30, IPN reports.
Daniel Ioniță said Romania since January 1, 2019 openly took over the presidency of the EU so as to contribute to strengthening Europe – a more cohesive and powerful Europe. This way, in the period of this presidency, importance will be attached to the observance of the rules and fundamentals of political civilization, rule of law and fundamental democratic principles, basic human rights and freedoms. “In this world that surprises us daily, the observance of rules and the attachment to the European principles and values will play an essential role,” stated the official.
According to the ambassador, the holding by Romania of the first rotating presidency of the Council of the EU will represent a moment of special importance and an opportunity for reaffirming Romania’s commitment to strengthening the European project. The vision that Romania will promote throughout the mandate will be built around the principle of cohesion. The current challenges faced by the EU reveal the need for unity and cohesion. This way, Romania’s presidency will make sure that the Union’s policies permanently pursue the imperative of cohesion between member states, regions and all the European citizens.
The Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Peter Michalko said Romania holds the presidency at a moment when many anniversaries in the relations with Eastern Europe and with the Republic of Moldova, in particular, will be celebrated. There will be marketed ten years of Eastern Partnership and five years of the liberalization of visas and signing of the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement. “It is very important for the Republic of Moldova to use the moment when the EU’s attention will be concentrated on the country that is a neighbor of the Republic of Moldova and is a source of inspiration as regards changes and the reform process,” stated Peter Michalko.
Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Iulie Leancă said the taking over by Romania of the rotating presidency of the EU is a challenge and also an opportunity. He underlined that Moldova has big expectations of Romania in this positon both in terms of the Eastern Partnership and of the agenda of the relations. “In connection with the anniversary of ten years of the launch of the Eastern Partnership, we hope that serious debates on the future of this initiative will be initiated, based on the different aspirations of the EaP countries,” stated Iurie Leancă.
Romania took over the presidency of the Council of the EU on January 1, 2019 and will hold it for half a year.
