Prime Minister Luca Niculescu met on Wednesday with the ambassadors of EU member states and the European Commission's representative in Bucharest to discuss the new Government's priorities and how Romania can contribute to a safer, stronger Europe that is better prepared to face current challenges.

'This morning, I met with the ambassadors of EU member states and the European Commission's representative in Bucharest, at the invitation of the Irish Ambassador, whose country currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU. We had an open and useful discussion about the new Government's priorities and how Romania can contribute to a safer, stronger Europe that is better prepared to face current challenges. We discussed Europe's security and defence, particularly on the Eastern Flank and in the Black Sea region. Romania is strengthening its defence capabilities, including through the European SAFE programme,' Luca Niculescu said in a post on the Government's Facebook page.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that he had briefed the ambassadors on progress in making the maritime security hub in Constanta operational, an important project for the security of the entire region.

Another topic discussed was EU enlargement.

'Romania firmly supports the European integration path of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkan countries. We want negotiations to advance as quickly as possible, based on each country's progress,' Niculescu added.

He said another important topic was the future EU budget.

'We need an agreement on the Multiannual Financial Framework by the end of the year that addresses new challenges while preserving the resources needed for cohesion and agriculture, policies that are essential for Romania,' Niculescu stressed.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister thanked the ambassadors for their support for Romania in the fields of security and defence, as well as in its OECD accession process. He also thanked Ireland's Ambassador Brendan Ward for organising the meeting and for the work carried out under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

'Meetings like these are important because they allow us to speak directly, listen to one another and find solutions together. Romania has clear priorities in Europe and is committed to contributing to our common decisions and projects,' Prime Minister Luca Niculescu pointed out. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)