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PRESS RELEASE

Today, Prime Minister Nicolae –Ionel Ciucă had a meeting with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.

 The talks focused on Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area, the status of the fulfillment of the recommendations under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM), and the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Issues related to the EU’s response to the Russian war in Ukraine and also to the Republic of Moldova have been addressed on this occasion.

“The Romanian Government appreciates the support of the European Commission for the enlargement of the Schengen Area and the essential contribution to advancing the calendar regarding Romania’s accession, which has experienced a new dynamic in recent months. The very good conclusions of the recent evaluation mission confirm our country’s preparedness regarding the Schengen acquis and bring us closer to the fulfillment of this country's objective,” stated Prime Minister Nicolae –Ionel Ciucă.

The Prime Minister mentioned the state of the adoption of the new justice laws package, emphasizing that the last months’ progress is a good basis for a positive CVM report from the European Commission.

The Head of the Executive gave assurances regarding the Romanian Government’s commitment to the coherent and comprehensive implementation of the NRRP targets and milestones. With regard to the targets and milestones that still need to be met, the prime minister voiced willingness to continue the technical discussions with the representatives of the European Commission, in order to close them on time. At the same time, Prime Minister showed that proposals for adjusting the Plan are being prepared, both in the context of RePower EU – which prioritizes the response to the energy crisis, but also of the necessary savings following the change in the value of the grant allocated to Romania. These adjustments will be performed without the maintenance of the focus on the objectives of the digital, ecological transition and the strengthening of resilience being affected.

Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă mentioned that adjustments to some targets and milestones are also important to meet current needs. He highlighted that Romania will insist on and continue discussions with the Commission on the milestones related to the reform of the pension system, including the replacement of the ceiling of 9.4 percent of GDP with another reference mechanism, the maintenance of coal-based energy production as backup and on adjustments of some transport infrastructure projects.

Prime Minister Nicolae –Ionel Ciucă emphasized the importance of the European Union granting consistent support to the Republic of Moldova, in particular through non-refundable financial aid, additional measures to facilitate access to the EU market for its products, and the elimination of roaming tariffs.

The Head of the Romanian Executive reiterated Romania’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, including through the support and integration of refugees, respectively the grain transit. At the same time, Prime Minister noted with satisfaction the recognition by the President of the European Commission of the Romanian authorities and citizens’ efforts for the support and integration of refugees from Ukraine, respectively the consistent support of grain transit from Ukraine.

Prime Minister Nicolae –Ionel Ciucă is paying a working visit to Brussels today and tomorrow.