Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminiţa Odobescu, represented Romania in Monday’s meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, held in Luxembourg. The number one point on the agenda for talks was Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Minister Odobescu highlighted the importance of accelerating the provision of military assistance to neighboring Ukraine, recalling, in this context, the recent decision of Romania’s Supreme Defense Council regarding the transfer to Ukraine of a Patriot surface-to-air missile system. At the same time, Minister Odobescu referred to the importance of the EU-Ukraine security commitments and emphasized the importance of the Union’s involvement in helping Ukraine restore its civil infrastructure, seriously affected by Russian attacks. The Romanian Foreign Minister also hailed the adoption of the 14th package of sanctions against Russia. The new sanctions target 116 entities, companies and individuals, Russian liquefied gas, introducing bans for vessels that transport LNG to European ports, but also for the export of some components necessary for the Russian energy industry. On the other hand, Hungary continues to block some important decisions regarding Ukraine, worth 2.4 bln EUR.
According to Radio Romania’s correspondent, in addition to European institutions, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said he came up with a solution to make the first funds available this month. From a legal point of view, Josep Borrell argued, if a Member State was not previously involved in the decision regarding the use of profits, it cannot be part of the decision regarding the allocation of said profits. The subject will be discussed this week at the summit of European leaders. Meanwhile, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova are officially negotiating their accession to the European Union as of Tuesday, a long-term process during which the two states must align their national legislation with the provisions of the community bloc. Since obtaining EU candidate status, Kyiv and Chișinău have made general adjustments in key areas, proving their determination to get closer to Union legislation. But now, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova will have to operate comprehensive changes in nearly all sectors, so that they may join the European Union in a few years’ time. Minister Odobescu also reiterated Romania’s support for the European integration efforts of the two candidates.
Roxana Vasile, Radio Romania International
