Romania and Europe must manage „a difficult yet achievable balance” between environmental protection and economic prosperity, President Nicusor Dan said in a message delivered on Tuesday at the opening of the fourth Climate Change Summit, held at the Palace of Parliament.

The message was read by a State Adviser from the Department for Climate and Sustainability.

„Romania today has both the opportunity and the responsibility to serve as a point of convergence for climate solutions in the region. By bringing together political leaders, academics, civil society representatives and business stakeholders, this summit confirms our vocation as a promoter of regional cooperation in key areas – from energy transition and the circular economy to biodiversity protection and the development of sustainable, resilient cities,” conveyed the president.

He recalled that at the edition held two years ago, when he was Mayor General of Bucharest, he signed the Green Belt Pact for the Capital – „a symbolic and concrete commitment to protecting the environment and urban biodiversity.”

„Today, as President of Romania, I strongly reaffirm my belief that climate action represents a strategic investment in our collective security, health and prosperity. Romania and Europe must manage a difficult yet possible balance: the responsibility we owe to future generations, who deserve to live in a clean environment, and that which we owe to current citizens, whose security and economic prosperity we must ensure,” Nicusor Dan underlined.

In his message, the president further pointed out that climate change „knows no borders.”

„We see how destructive floods can be, destroying communities; heatwaves that place great pressure on urban infrastructure; and droughts that significantly reduce agricultural output. These phenomena are visible to the naked eye,” he added. AGERPRES