Dear President, dear Nicușor. Let me begin by thanking you for the warm welcome and for the opportunity to be here today. Listening to each leader in their own capital is of great importance, as it will help us prepare the ground and advance our European Council work later this year.
The months ahead will be crucial for our Union. We will soon have to take a major decision on the future of our long-term European budget, a decision that will shape our priorities and our capacity to deliver in the years to come. We need to reach an agreement by the end of this year.
For the European Union to deliver on its priorities, we need a budget that is fit for purpose. We are operating in a fundamentally different geopolitical context from the one we faced when we approved the current budget in 2020. This new reality calls for a new approach to our budget, with a new structure and a new way of allocating our resources.
We must ensure that the next long-term budget enables Europe to strengthen its defence and security, boost competitiveness and innovation, and build greater strategic resilience. At the same time, our future budget must continue to underpin the cohesion and agricultural policies that contribute directly to the prosperity and resilience of our regions.
All of this, like in any budget, we must achieve within the limits of finite resources – by keeping national contributions within reasonable limits. Therefore, a balanced and ambitious package of so-called new own resources, new revenue streams for the European Union, will play a key role in the final agreement.
But I am confident that, together, we will rise to the challenge. We will find a balanced agreement before the end of this year. That is the only way to avoid disruptions to our investments in our farmers, our businesses, our students, our researchers and our innovators.
Dear President, I would like to express my appreciation to Romania for its strong commitment to safeguarding European security. It is clear to all Europeans that our collective security is closely tied to the security of the Eastern border, including on the Black Sea.
Recent violations of the Romanian airspace as well as the incidents involving naval drones are deeply concerning. We will continue to stand firmly with Romania, because we understand that the security of Romania is Europe’s security as well.
Our unity in supporting Ukraine will not be broken by Russians attempts to intimidate us or divide us. Here, let me commend Romania’s steadfast support for Ukraine. We must continue to work united for a just and lasting peace.
I’m also grateful for Romania’s strong support for Moldova on its path towards the European Union. Every enlargement has made Europe stronger, politically and economically. It is one of Europe’s most important geopolitical investments. It is an investment in our security, stability and prosperity. What applied to previous enlargements, also applies to the Western Balkans, to Ukraine, and of course, to Moldova. They all represent important opportunities for the future of our Union. And we must keep up the current, true momentum in the accession process, a merit-based process that this year has achieved several key milestones.
To conclude, let me underline that our unity is our greatest strength, particularly in the face of today’s challenging geopolitical situation. The contribution and commitment of all member states is essential as we move forward.
And I know that Romania – under your leadership, dear Nicușor – will continue to play a fundamental role in making our Union stronger, safer and more resilient – and in delivering results for our citizens.
Thank you.
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