EC President in Romania;President Dan: Romania plays its responsible role as a littoral EU member state, NATO ally

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is in Romania on Monday afternoon, where she was welcomed by President Nicusor Dan at the "Mihai Kogalniceanu" Military Base.

"Today, I welcomed President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to the Black Sea shore. This region is of strategic importance for European and Euro-Atlantic security and Romania plays its responsible role as a littoral EU member state and a NATO Ally on the Eastern Flank," President Nicusor Dan wrote on his X page, agerpres reports.

The head of state underscored that the joint visit "reflects the geostrategic importance of the Port of Constanta, as a commercial and military logistics hub, but also in the future reconstruction efforts of Ukraine."

"Today is equally important for emphasising the importance of operationalizing the Black Sea Maritime Security Hub, as part of the EU Black Sea Strategy. Our interest in making the best use of European resources, including through the Readiness 2030 Plan and the SAFE instrument, for expanding our military capabilities, modernizing our defense industry and increasing military mobility. EU-NATO complementarity is essential in this endeavour," according to the President's post.

The two officials traveled by helicopter to Constanta, where they visited the "Regele Ferdinand" Frigate.

Since Friday, the head of the European Commission has visited Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania and Bulgaria.