Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan welcomed European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib at the Victoria Palace on Thursday.

According to a government statement, the talks focused on cooperation between Romania and the European Commission in crisis management, strengthening preparedness and response capacity, bolstering European resilience, as well as promoting equal opportunities, inclusion and social resilience.

An important topic of the meeting was Romania's role in European civil protection mechanisms, in the current security context, the statement said.

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib thanked Romania for its continued contribution to joint efforts through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), including by mobilising teams and capabilities to fight wildfires in France, Greece and Serbia, as well as for the support provided in other emergency situations, including in the Gaza Strip.

In his turn, Prime Minister Bolojan stressed that Romania remains a stable and active partner in efforts to strengthen Europe's capacity to respond to emergencies.

'Romania has an integrated and centralised response system, with specialised structures and the capacity to rapidly mobilise the necessary forces. Romania has also benefited from significant equipment funded through European funds, and this support has helped strengthen our response capacity. We thank the EU for this support, which helps us be better prepared for emergencies,' Bolojan said, according to the statement.

The meeting also addressed the security situation in the region and the risks facing Romania, including drone-related incidents in the Black Sea area and in the vicinity of the Eastern Flank.

'In this context, Prime Minister Bolojan emphasized the need to pay special attention to the Black Sea region, requesting the European Commission's support for implementing the Black Sea Resilience Platform proposed by Romania as part of the European Union's new strategic approach to the region. The initiative seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and preparedness and response capacity in the face of crisis situations and new types of risks,' the statement said.

Hadja Lahbib welcomed Romania's initiative on the Black Sea Resilience Platform and highlighted the importance, in the current context, of a forward-looking approach to risks, noting that an assessment of these risks will be published in November.

The European Commissioner also said there was a need to improve communication and coordination among member states in crisis situations, as well as to strengthen the role of the European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre in ensuring a rapid and coordinated response.

Romania is also an example when it comes to civil-military cooperation. Its experience can be a source of inspiration and a useful model for developing these capabilities at European level, she said.

Another topic of the discussions was equal opportunities, combating discrimination and measures for social inclusion.

'Measures to increase women's participation in the labour market, particularly among women in rural areas, were discussed. The situation of the Roma community was also addressed, with the need for effective public policies to combat discrimination, reduce social disparities and ensure equal access to education, employment and public services being highlighted,' the statement said.

Also attending the meeting on behalf of the government were Secretary of State at the Ministry of the Interior and head of the Emergency Management Department Dr Raed Arafat, and State Counsellor with the Prime Minister's Chancellery Luminita Odobescu. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)