“This is a strategic goal for all of us. Interconnection, liquefied natural gas imports, massive investments in renewables and in the civilian nuclear sector need to be further supported. For us, these energy issues are extremely important and we have discussed these issues thoroughly with the EC President. A short-term approach is needed to ensure the energy supply of all the member states of the European Union. A medium-term approach is needed to secure enough energy so that prices will not surge and the European economy will not be suffocated. In our case, obviously, we must be careful that these prices do not suffocate the Romanian economy. And, yes, we need a long-term approach. It is clear, and I emphasise, that the European Union’s dependence on Russian gas must end!,” said Iohannis.
The President emphasised how important the Delegated Act proposed and approved by the European Commission on the Taxonomy of Gas and Energy generated in nuclear power plants was in order to guarantee a smooth transition to a green economy.
Iohannis also said that “we are in an unprecedented situation, generated by the unjustified, illegal and unprovoked armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in which not only the security of Ukraine, but also the transatlantic one is strongly threatened.”
The chief of state pointed out that Romania would continue to work closely with the European Commission, adding that unity, coordination and rapid response to help Ukraine are the country’s main strengths in these difficult times.
Ursula von der Leyen stated in turn that Romania is an extraordinary example of solidarity in Europe, mentioning that our country has helped not only the refugees from Ukraine but also the Republic of Moldova.
“Romania set a moving example for the whole world when the war began. Romania helped all the refugees from the Siret Customs by providing them with blankets, water, food. People opened the doors of their own houses for refugees, organized by social media fundraising missions, the Romanian population is ready to receive refugees. Romania not only receives refugees in their homes, but also helps the Republic of Moldova and provides electricity generators that are particularly important for Moldova. Romania has provided medicines for Ukraine. You are an extraordinary example of solidarity in Europe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your example,” stated Ursula von der Leyen.