Romania Supports EU Accession Talks with Ukraine and Moldova in 2023
Romania has expressed strong support for initiating negotiations on the European Union accession of Ukraine and Moldova this year, marking the tenth anniversary of the Euromaidan in Ukraine and the events of the Revolution of Dignity. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania conveyed its decisive endorsement for the commencement of accession talks with the European Union for Ukraine and Moldova in 2023.
This announcement was made through the official social media page of Romania's diplomatic mission, commemorating the historic moments a decade ago when Ukrainians boldly proclaimed Ukraine's belonging to the EU family. The Euromaidan is regarded as a symbol of Ukraine's European destiny, defended daily against Russian aggression. Romania firmly supports the initiation of EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova in 2023, as stated in the communication.
Today, the head of Romanian diplomacy, Luminița Odobescu, is in Paris, where she met with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna. The discussions centred on the specific support provided by France and Romania to Ukraine, which is facing Russian aggression.
Both Romania and France declared their support for initiating accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine by the end of this year. Luminița Odobescu also clarified that Bucharest would continue supporting Ukraine regarding grain transit.
"To this point, over 30 million tons of grain and agricultural products have transited Romania from Ukraine. In this regard, we coordinate with our European, American, and French partners. Support will continue, especially during challenging times, considering the approaching winter. Measures have been taken to increase the transit capacity of vessels, ensuring flexibility in customs operations in Romanian ports," emphasized the Romanian minister.
Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the security of the Black Sea was another key topic discussed by the two ministers in Paris. Concrete measures to enhance defence and containment on the eastern flank were deliberated.
"We discussed specific ways to strengthen defence and containment on the eastern flank, and I welcomed France's military presence in Romania and its swift response to various security threats at our border and in the Black Sea. France remains a steadfast supporter of strengthening the eastern flank and enhancing security in the Black Sea," added Luminița Odobescu.
As previously reported by The Gaze, Romania has joined the training of Ukrainian military forces. Romania is the tenth participating country in the multinational operation INTERFLEX, conducting training for Ukrainian defenders under the basic military training program.