Romania remains a firm supporter of the European enlargement project, the minister of foreign affairs, Luminita Odobescu, stated on Thursday, in a message sent on Europe Day.

„We believe it is essential to make the next steps of this process a success. A bigger Union is today, as yesterday, the best tool to protect European interests and prosperity, to uphold the principles of the rule of law and to defend EU citizens from external threats,” the minister added.

On the same occasion, Odobescu mentioned the current international context.

„Last December, European leaders took the decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, partner states that have made significant progress and are firmly committed to follow their European destiny. Romania supports the two countries directly, starting with its accession experience, to continue this path and to complete their progress internally,” she emphasized.

The Romanian minister also mentioned Russia’s war against Ukraine.

„Today, when we live again with the reality of a brutal war of aggression taking place in the vicinity of the Union, we must remember the value of this fundamental landmark of our common European history. The achievements of our common course confirm that the vision of the European construction launched then remains the right one until today. On May 9, we celebrate the solidarity and diversity that define the European community, but also our commitment to the fundamental values of democracy and human rights, respect for the option of our peoples to live in freedom and build a future together,” Odobescu pointed out.

According to the head of Romanian diplomacy, Europe Day, celebrated a month before the European Parliament elections, „is an opportunity to reflect not only on our achievements, but also on the road ahead.”

„Today’s celebration is not only about celebration. It is also about action,” added Luminita Odobescu, who appreciated that „Europe is in a crucial year for its future.”

„In the face of the current challenges, we must continue to come up with answers together, in close coordination and solidarity. Today we must remember that our power as citizens resides in our ability to participate in the construction of the Europe in which we live. The elections for the European Parliament in June 6-9 represents, from this point of view, a major opportunity for this active involvement of citizens in the European democratic exercise. We must remain united in the aspiration for a better, stronger, more democratic and more prosperous Europe for all its citizens,” said Odobescu.

She also emphasized the involvement of our country in the European project.

„Romania is today a member state with a strong pro-European vision, acting to promote national interests, in full harmony with the objectives of the further development of the European project and having the conviction that only together we can build our future. Our citizens directly enjoy the benefits of this project and they want this project to go further, to our European partners, who have chosen, in turn, for their citizens, the path of European integration, democracy and freedom,” said Luminita Odobescu.

According to the minister, the continuation of the expansion of the European Union „is at this point more than a geopolitical necessity, it is the best instrument of the Union for ensuring prosperity and peace in Europe, as we have seen so far.”

AGERPRES