The President of Romania participated last night in the extraordinary meeting of the European Council, the main topic of discussion being the war in Ukraine, the head of state asking in unison with the leaders of Europe to stop Russia's attacks, but even more than that.
"The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, participated on Thursday, February 24, 2022, in Brussels, at the extraordinary meeting of the European Council, convened as a result of Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, intervened via video conference, presenting the ongoing developments of the security situation.
European leaders condemned in the strongest terms the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, highlighting that Russia's illegal military actions are a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of the UN Charter and undermine stability and security at the European and global level. The heads of state and government pointed out that the Russian Federation is solely responsible for this act of aggression and for the loss of human life and destruction it will cause.
EU leaders called on Russia to immediately cease military actions, unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respect the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
The European Council has politically agreed a package of additional restrictive measures, which will impose massive and severe costs on Russia for its actions, a package agreed in close cooperation with partners and allies.
In his speech, President Klaus Iohannis condemned in the strongest terms the large-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which represents a flagrant violation of international law. The President of Romania highlighted the impact of Russia's unacceptable actions on the security and stability of the Eastern neighborhood, as well as the severe consequences on European and Euro-Atlantic security, these acts flagrantly violating the commitments assumed by Russia at the international level, including regarding its role as a permanent member of UN Security Council.
President Klaus Iohannis qualified the attack of Russian troops on several regions of Ukraine, including the capital Kiev, as a deliberate and unequivocal act of aggression against an independent and sovereign state.
The President of Romania emphasized that, in this very difficult situation, the European Union must continue to defend its values and principles, highlighting the importance of unity and ties with close partners in the region and globally.
President Klaus Iohannis supported the European Union's firm and swift response, including the adoption of the strong sanctions package and the further preparation of additional individual and economic sanctions, also targeting Belarus.
President Klaus Iohannis emphasized Romania's full solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and specified that our country will continue to provide support, mainly humanitarian assistance.
The President of Romania pleaded for mitigating the negative impact of Russia's actions on the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, partner states that are already feeling the pressure from Moscow, stressing the importance of providing the financial support necessary to strengthen the partners' resilience.
Considering the current situation as the biggest challenge in Europe's recent history, President Klaus Iohannis highlighted the need to continue closely coordinating reactions and approaches with Euro-Atlantic partners, especially the US and at NATO level.
During the meeting, the European leaders strongly condemned the involvement of Belarus in the aggression against Ukraine, asking it to refrain from such actions and respect its international obligations.
The sanctions agreed by the European Council will cover the financial, energy, transport sectors, dual-use goods, as well as export control and financing, visa policy, additional listings of some individuals and entities, as well as new listing criteria. The Council of the European Union is to adopt, without delay, the proposals prepared by the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union. European leaders called for the urgent preparation and adoption of an additional package of individual and economic sanctions, which will also include Belarus.
The European Council deplored the tragic loss of life caused by Russian aggression, calling on Russia and Russian-backed armed forces to allow unfettered humanitarian access to all those in distress.
The heads of state and government highlighted their solidarity with Ukraine and its people, which they will continue to support, together with international partners, through political, financial, humanitarian and logistical measures, as well as by organizing an international donor conference. Following its December 2016 decision, the European Council recognized Ukraine's European aspirations and European choice under the Association Agreement.
The European leaders also agreed that the European Union will continue to cooperate closely with its neighbors and reiterated their unconditional support and commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. The European Union will continue close coordination with its partners and allies within the UN, OSCE, NATO and the G7.
The European Council also invited the European Commission to present contingency plans, including in the field of energy."
