H. E. Anton Pacuretu: Europe Should Look Beyond Framework for Ukraine

An interview of Novinite. com with Romania's Ambassador to Bulgaria, H.E. Anton Pacuretu, on general developments in Ukraine and on the future of Europe's Eastern Partnership, but also on bilateral relations between Bulgaria and Romania, which he clearly believes have common interests in the region.

1. Romania is one of the staunchest supporters of sanctions against Russia. Could such a joint EU move also lead to negative repercussions for the country?

EU and its Transatlantic partners have taken a set of sanctioning measures that generated consequences, generated effects. Romania had no hesitation in coordinating and engaging in the decision-making process together with its European partners and North Atlantic allies, condemning in very firm manner Russia’s violations of the international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another state – namely, Ukraine. In coordinating at European and Euro-Atlantic level, Romania has very clear, very strong expectations that Russian Federation will engage itself in a political process and dialogue aimed at avoiding escalating further the tensions. No one has the interest to reach a confrontation level even more severe than the political one already perceived between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The interest is to find a political solution, that’s why the political channels of communication are of paramount importance in allowing a substantial decrease of the tension.

2. Is it less economic dependence on Russia (compared to other EU countries) that drives this position or there is another reason? In comparison to other EU countries, where is Romania in its energy affairs regarding dependence on...