President Nicusor Dan told European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday that Romania wants '' fully integrated Single Market and a significant simplification of bureaucracy and the administrative burden'.

The Romanian head of state held a phone conversation with the European Council president during which they discussed Romania's priorities and the key issues for the country ahead of the meeting of European leaders scheduled to take place on March 19-20 in Brussels.

'The discussion focused on issues related to competitiveness and the Single Market, the transition to green energy, the European Union budget and the revival of European industry. I told President Costa that we want a fully integrated Single Market, as well as a significant simplification of bureaucracy and the administrative burden. From Romania's perspective, the energy chapter is essential, especially in the context of the conflict in the Middle East, which shows how important it is for the European Union to reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports. As I have said before, we want the transition to green energy to take place at a pace and within a framework that does not irreversibly affect the competitiveness of European and Romanian companies,' President Nicusor Dan wrote in a post on his Facebook page.

According to him, another issue raised during the phone conversation with Antonio Costa concerned the future European budgetary framework.

'Even if the debates will continue, Romania's perspective must be properly understood. The EU budget must ensure relevant funding for boosting competitiveness, including in the eastern states, where Romania also belongs, countries that have a historical gap compared with the level of development of other member states. In fact, I welcome the orientation of European decisions towards stimulating competitiveness and investments that ensure an energy system resilient to external shocks,' the Romanian president said. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Andreea Rotaru; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)