Romania has taken over the EU Council presidency. Joseph Daul, Donald Tusk convey messages

Romania has taken over the EU Council presidency from Austria on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. On January 10, the official ceremony will take plane in Bucharest, with the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European commissioners expected to attend the event.

EC President Jean-Claude Juncker voiced  “doubt” in an interview to Welt am Sonntag in late December on Romania’s capacity to hold the rotating Presidency of the EU Council, arguing that, although “it is well prepared from the technical point of view”, Bucharest has not “fully” understood what this term involves.

However, the European People’s Party (EPP) Chairman Joseph Daul has wrote on Twitter that President Klaus Iohannis is a restless fighter for the rule of law and against corruption and will have the ability to excellently lead the rotating EU presidency.

In turn, in an interview on Sunday for Antena3 TV private broadcaster, Prime Minister Viorica Dancila voiced intent to replace President Klaus Iohannis at the EU Council during the rotating presidency.

In a post on Twitter, the European Council President, Donald Tusk, wrote: “Happy New Year! I wish Romania all the best with your first EU presidency. I am confident you will deliver and look forward to working with you.”