The President of the European Council Donald Tusk and the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker thanked Romania on Friday for the results obtained during the first half of the year, having the presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“I want to thank Mr. President Iohannis and his team for a presidency full of energy and successful. You have succeeded to conclude 90 legislative proposals before the election for European Parliament, including the ones on foreign borders, cutting of carbon emissions and digital Europe. I am absolutely impressed that you have registered significant progress regarding the CFM package and, of course, for hosting last month the European informal Summit in the beautiful city of Sibiu,” Donald Tusk said.
In turn, European Commission President wanted to thank the Romanian presidency, the Government and the Romanian ambassador in Brussels, saying that the results are ‘remarkable’.
“I want to tell you how grateful the European Commission is for the activity carried out by the Romanian presidency. The activity of the President, of the Government and most of all of the Romanian Ambassador in Brussels. We congratulate you all for the achievements. I’ve met several Presidents of Romania, but I thank you for your friendship. It is Romania’s first presidency and that is why the results are remarkable and I thank for the way Romania worked together with the European Commission,” Jean-Claude Juncker said.
President Iohannis on the ‘vital issues discussed
President Klaus Iohannis said on Friday, at the end of the European Summit in Brussels, that he has discussed with the European leaders “vital issues” for the EU, including the Union’s Strategic Agenda, which fullu reflects the 10 commitments at the informal summit in Sibiu.
“We have the target to remain united, determined and effective in our efforts to put into practice the agenda and to obtain results for all. Romania is fully committed in this regard,” the head of state said.
Iohannis mentioned as EU’s objective the defending of citizens’ rights and mentioned legislative projects regarding the Banking Union, formally adopted by the Council during the Romanian presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The head of state said during the presidency 90 legislative files have been completed, with many being surprised by this fact.
“Very few had great expectations when we took over the presidency. Many expected us to be mediocre, but I take very seriously the praises from presidents Tusk and Juncker. The Romanian presidency completed 90 files. (…) This reveals the intensity and the quantity of our work, but also the quality, as we are good partners, negotiators, the Romanian team achieved something unexpected. This is why I said the Romanian presidency was surprising, had better results than anyone expected,” Klaus Iohannis said.
Referring to the European Council, President Iohannis said the talks focused on the future Multiannual Financial Framework, reminding that last year the Council asked Romania to elaborate a revised document for a new step of negotiations.
“The Presidency worked hard and I am satisfied that these considerable efforts and the progress are reflected in the conclusions of the European Council,” President Iohannis said.
The head of state expressed regrets that the discussions regarding climate change could not reach the target of zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
“Upon my request, the leaders have accepted to mention the Republic of Moldova in the text, because this strengthens the EU support towards the Republic of Moldova through concrete measures, which is very important,” the President added.