President Nicusor Dan said on Tuesday, in relation to the agenda of the informal European Council summit taking place in Copenhagen on Wednesday, that Romania is interested in ensuring continued strong support for Ukraine and, operationally, in having the eastern flank properly reinforced.
‘This summit is more of a vision-setting summit, rather than a technical one. What is important, especially after the drone incident in Poland, are the technical-level discussions that have taken place between defence ministers and the chiefs of staff of the armed forces. Those are the substantive elements that will lead into a political decision that is already, in a way, agreed upon both within the structures of the European Union and NATO. What I anticipate will be discussed tomorrow are, once again, issues related to the war in Ukraine and the pace at which Western countries can continue to provide support to Ukraine, but this will be discussed at a political level, not at the more important technical level, as I mentioned. And Romania, of course, has an interest in seeing support for Ukraine remain consistent, and in having the eastern flank operationally well reinforced,’ President Nicusor Dan told Euronews on Tuesday evening.
Leaders of European Union member states will meet in Copenhagen on Wednesday for an informal European Council summit to discuss how Europe’s common defence can be strengthened and how continued support for Ukraine can be ensured, according to a release published on the website consilium.europa.eu.
The informal meeting in the Danish capital will take place ahead of the European Political Community summit, which brings together leaders from across the continent.
According to the release, participants will discuss ways to strengthen Europe’s defence, particularly in light of recent violations of airspace by Russia in several member states.
The European Union is determined to decisively enhance its defence preparedness by 2030 and has taken swift steps in recent months to meet this goal. These include measures to bolster its defence capabilities, stimulate defence funding, develop its industrial base, and create opportunities for joint procurement, all in full coherence with NATO.
The discussions will serve as guidance for the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs in drafting their roadmap for the next steps in implementing the EU’s defence preparedness objectives. This roadmap will be presented and debated at the European Council meeting on 23-24 October.
According to the release, EU leaders will also address how they can continue supporting Kyiv in achieving a just and lasting peace. Additionally, they will discuss Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, including the country’s reform efforts and the steps taken towards accession, the release also reads. AGERPRES
