President Iohannis to attend in Sofia European Council informal meeting, EU-Western Balkans Summit

President Klaus Iohannis will attend Wednesday and Thursday in Sofia the informal meeting of the European Council and the EU-Western Balkans Summit, the Presidential Administration said in a release. 

The agenda of the EU leaders' informal meeting on Wednesday includes subjects related to the digital market, research and innovation. Against the backdrop of the recent international developments, talks will also approach the situation after the withdrawal of the US from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as well as the US decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. 

As far as research and innovation are concerned, President Klaus Iohannis will point out that they are essential to keeping the European Union at the top of global economic and industrial competition. To this end, he will express support for the future EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation - Horizon Europe, designed to help strengthen the Union's capacity to produce and capitalize on knowledge. 

"The President of Romania will emphasize the need to increase digital investments because a strong Digital Single Market is key to maintaining the strength and credibility of Europe in the global economy and the Internal Market's competitiveness," the release said. 

On Thursday, at the EU-Western Balkans Summit, the heads of state and government will debate subjects of common interest such as connectivity, security and migration. 

According to the Presidential Administration, in the first session, President Iohannis will highlight the importance of connectivity, infrastructure, energy and digital network projects, as they are capable of increasing the convergence of the European Union with the Western Balkans region. 

In this context, Iohannis will back increased support for macro-regional strategies, such as projects developed under the aegis of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region. 

In the second session titled "Addressing Common Challenges", the Romanian President will highlight the fact that, due to their geographical proximity, the EU and the Western Balkans are in a relationship of interdependence, and that it is therefore important that they further develop cooperation with a view to ensuring national security and regional stability. 

According to the Presidential Administration, Klaus Iohannis will advocate increased attention to strengthening the rule of law and the fight against corruption, as well as increased investment in education as one of the most effective long-term means of achieving a common security space.