Iohannis: International system under increasing pressure, major goal – an Enhanced European Engagement

President Klaus Iohannis, addressing the Munich Security Conference, said that the multilateral international system is under increasing pressure, pointing out that cohesion is the response to this situation, and the major goal should be an Enhanced European Engagement.

“We are facing concurrent classical and asymmetric threats from various strategic directions, and these are not just the concerns of politicians, the military and strategists. Today, security concerns are the prevalent issue on our European citizens’ minds. At the same time, the multilateral international system is under increasing pressure, and adjusting it to the new realities is probably our greatest challenge. What should our European answer to these challenges be? My answer is ‘cohesion’, in its broadest sense. As debates on the future of Europe are at the forefront of the European agenda of the current Presidency of the Council of the European Union held by Romania, we need a cohesive and inclusive approach by the member states and by the European institutions. Therefore, this message of unity and cohesion fundamentally defines the priorities of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Our approach focuses on facilitating consensus, overcoming divisions and finding common ground on the inclusive ways to consolidate the Union. Security and defense are no exception. On the contrary, they are core components of the future of the Union – they make our external action credible and are a guarantee that we maintain and develop our vocation for multilateralism,” Iohannis said at the 55th Munich Security Conference, Agerpres reads.

The President of Romania emphasized that in the last two or three years, significant results have been achieved in all areas – defense capabilities, industrial defense cooperation, operational commitments.

In this context, he emphasized that the major goal should be an Enhanced European Engagement.

Klaus Iohannis pointed out that efforts should focus on developing a harmonized approach between NATO and the EU.

The head of state said the challenges on the Eastern Flank cannot be ignored, showing that NATO needs to further strengthen its deterrence and defensive posture on this flank.