Brussels - AGERPRES special correspondent Oana Ghita reports: President Klaus Iohannis underscored, on Monday, at the informal EU Council meeting, the need to increase defence funding, both in national budgets and in the European Union budget, while also advocating for the mobilisation of 'all instruments available to the EU that could generate adequate resources for defence,' the Presidential Administration informs.

During his speech, the Romanian head of state highlighted the necessity of strengthening European security and defence as a strategic priority in the current geopolitical context, where Russia remains the main threat to European and Euro-Atlantic security, the quoted source points out in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

In this regard, the President of Romania advocated for 'an innovative and ambitious approach to financing, for adapting defence capabilities and industry to the new geostrategic conditions, aspects that must be reflected in both political and operational decisions regarding financial mechanisms and instruments.'

He also pointed out the importance of linking the reform processes of national defence industries to EU mechanisms, as well as the need for a comprehensive approach to the defence sector, which should contribute to supporting the overall objectives of the European Union.

The President stressed that 'the current context of security challenges no longer allows separate approaches, as the level of threats and defence costs exceed the individual capacities of EU member states.'

Klaus Iohannis advocated for a 'joint effort at the European level, and close cooperation within the EU, NATO, as well as with trusted global partners, to ensure a strong deterrence and defence position in Europe and beyond.'

At the same time, he highlighted that NATO remains 'the foundation of collective defence in Europe' and advocated primarily for a strengthened EU-NATO cooperation, in a spirit of complementarity, with special emphasis on the defence industry and the development of capabilities, but also regarding the provision of military assistance and financial aid for Ukraine.

Regarding EU-US relations, the President called for the maintenance of a strong and mutually beneficial transatlantic partnership, essential for the security and prosperity of both sides of the Atlantic. In this context, he expressed confidence in a constructive and pragmatic agenda for discussions, benefiting the EU, the US, and the member states, as part of the same community of values and interests.

Furthermore, Klaus Iohannis underscored that Romania fully supports the goal of further developing a solid partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of advancing it with priority in the area of security and defence. Especially in the current geopolitical circumstances, the President of Romania pointed out that the United Kingdom remains 'a valuable partner for the Union, vocing confidence that this cooperation will continue to develop in the extended Black Sea region, where support for Moldova and Ukraine remains essential,' the quoted source mentions.

The meeting's agenda also included a gathering of EU leaders with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as a meeting with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Keir Starmer.

The EU leaders' debates focused on European security and defence, a topic of major relevance on the current European agenda. This was the first EU leaders' meeting dedicated exclusively to discussing this subject, aimed at identifying strategic orientations for the forthcoming 'White Paper' on the future of European defence, which is expected to be presented by the European Commission in the first part of this year.

Aspects related to strengthening European defence capabilities were analysed, including through adequate financing and by strengthening the Union's partnerships with global actors who share the same values and interests. Also discussed were the EU-US Strategic Partnership and ways to deepen the transatlantic link, as well as EU-NATO cooperation.

The discussions advanced based on two key principles: taking increased responsibility for Europe's own defence to become more resilient and effective in security and defence, and deepening cooperation at the European level in this area, including in the defence industry, which needs predictability and coherence, also in terms of contributing to the EU's overall economic and social development objective. AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Andreea Rotaru; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)