Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan discussed on Monday, at the Government headquarters, with President of the European People’s Party (EPP) Manfred Weber, whom he also met earlier today at the National Liberal Party (PNL) headquarters.

At the Executive headquarters, PM Bolojan underscored that Romania’s partnership with the EPP, the largest European political family has an important role in strengthening the European project and in supporting the national interests in the dialogue with the EU institutions, a Government release mentioned.

„On the European policy component, there are two directions in which we will act in alignment: a strong Europe and a secure Europe on the Eastern Flank. At internal level, the discussions focused on supporting Romania in the relationship with the European Commission regarding the budget deficit and the implementation of projects in the PNRR [National Recovery and Resilience Plan], especially in essential areas such as hospitals and highways,” Ilie Bolojan stated, according to the quoted source.

In his turn, EPP President Manfred Weber highlighted the importance of European unity in face of current challenges, emphasizing the common security dimension.

According to the Gov’t release, Weber stated that a first element is represented by stability, followed by economic growth and security. He stated that there is an urgent need to build a European defence pillar and Europe’s Eastern Shield is not solely the responsibility of Romania or the Baltic states, but a shared responsibility of all EU member states. He added that only together can a strong and secure European Union be ensured.

The discussions underscored the importance of continuing this partnership, with a focus on investments, competitiveness and security, as a foundation for a stable and sustainable long-term development, the release also showed.

AGERPRES