European Council President Charles Michel visited Bucharest, Romania for talks with several European Union country leaders on the bloc’s strategic agenda for the next five years. Michel stated that the EU has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate and energy crises, and Russia’s war in Ukraine. The EU plans to focus on security and defense, economic stability, bloc enlargement, and strengthening democratic values in the upcoming five-year period.
During a joint press conference, Michel emphasized the importance of European countries taking responsibility to address security challenges and threats faced by the EU. He highlighted the need for investments in security to ensure the safety and stability of the region. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis also acknowledged the series of crises that the EU has encountered, including the energy crisis, the effects of climate change, illegal migration, and the war in Ukraine. Iohannis stressed the importance of protecting European values, democracy, and the spirit of the EU.
Iohannis, who announced his bid to become the next leader of NATO, expressed the need for continued efforts to protect European values, democracy, and the hard-won democracy in some member states. The leaders present at the meeting included Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. They discussed various challenges facing the EU and the importance of working together to address these issues and protect European values.
The informal meetings held in Bucharest ahead of the European Parliament elections aimed to address the strategic agenda for the next five years. The discussions focused on bolstering security and defense, enhancing economic stability and prosperity, bloc enlargement, and strengthening democratic values within the EU. The leaders emphasized the need for cooperation and solidarity among member states to address the challenges facing the EU and to ensure the safety and well-being of European citizens.
The EU plans to expedite financial aid to Egypt, bypassing the usual safeguards, as part of its efforts to address global challenges and ensure stability in the region. Michel and other EU leaders highlighted the importance of investing in security to address threats and challenges facing the EU. They emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among member states to tackle issues such as the energy crisis, climate change, illegal migration, and conflicts in neighboring countries.
Overall, the discussions in Bucharest focused on the upcoming priorities and goals for the EU over the next five years. The leaders stressed the importance of addressing security challenges, strengthening democratic values, and working together to protect European values and interests. They emphasized the resilience and adaptability of the EU in overcoming past crises and highlighted the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety and prosperity of European citizens.
