Iohannis: EU is at a turning point, with the European agenda being marked by multiple challenges

The European Union is at a turning point, with the European agenda being marked by multiple challenges, according to a message sent by Romania's President Klaus Iohannis to the General Assembly of the European Center for Workers' Questions (EZA).

"Today, the European Union is at a turning point. The European agenda is marked by multiple challenges and uncertainties, some rooted in the past, others that are the result of present development, and the solution for both can only come from consensus, from the way we, European institutions and civil society organisations, get to manage together the difficulties that the socio-political climate on our continent generates. A strong Europe means a prosperous, safe Europe, close to the citizens, based on solidarity, social justice, respect for democratic principles, fundamental rights and freedoms, and if we are adhere to these principles, I am convinced that the so complicated daily emergencies will find their solution. As you may know, Romania's preparations to assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union, a defining period for the future of the European project that cannot be thought of in the absence of common values and interests, has reached the finishing line. The fact that you are today in Bucharest proves us not only that this project is an important one, but it also gives us the optimism that we will succeed in having a successful tenure, " Iohannis said in his message delivered by Andrei Muraru, presidential adviser in charge with public relations and the civil society.

According to the president, for the first time since joining the EU in 2007, Romania will manage as the holder of the presidency of the EU Council some major challenges: Brexit, the negotiations over the Multi-annual Financial Framework post-2020 and the issue of migration. Also in the first half of next year, elections to the European Parliament will be held.

"These are only some of the most important issues that I wish to be able to deal in all seriousness and efficiency in order to contribute to the consolidation of the European project: a success of the Romanian presidency means, in the end, concrete results for the European citizens. Beyond these tangible projects and approaches, I wish to bring optimism back for the European citizens. But for this daring objective, we need a collective effort to find solutions for a strong and tailor-made European Union that meets the aspirations of future generations. That is why, in this difficult mission in 2019, Romania attaches great importance to the European social dialogue. We must offer an example of seriousness and professionalism from a young, modern and developed EU member state that is aware of its responsibilities and rights regarding the management of the the labour market."

Iohannis also underlined that one of the priorities pledged by Romania is to strengthen European convergence by promoting cohesion, competitiveness and connectivity, and to achieve this central objective action to increase employment and strengthen social rights will be given a special role .

"Developing the digital sector is also fundamental to economic progress, and efforts must be made to turn the European Union into a world leader in this area. I believe that your involvement in all these projects at this stage is vital. That is why I am counting on the expertise that you can provide and that I am emphasising and recognising today. The event you take part in today happens just a few days before a century lapses since the achievement of the Romanian national unity, a moment of great celebration for us, the Romanians, and for our country. In these 100 years, the Romanians have fought, sometimes at the cost of their lives, for a modern and democratic Romania, and the European integration represents one of the most important projects of the last century. As Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, has recently said, is not just a Romanian celebration, but a European celebration as well. Economic growth, democratic consolidation, free movement of persons are just a few of the benefits that EU membership has brought us. Romania is strongly attached to European principles and values, and Romanians do not see their future outside the European Union. That is precisely why our efforts will be harnessed to consolidating the European design by strengthening democracy and the rule of law, respect for the citizen, and the promotion of fundamental freedoms,". AGERPRES (RO - author: Catalina Matei, editor: Diana Dumitru; EN - author: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu)