Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu on Monday attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels, where, together with her counterparts from EU member states, she discussed the future EU Security Strategy, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the EU's Southern Neighbourhood.
An exchange of views also took place with India's External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.
Regarding the future European Security Strategy, the Romanian foreign minister expressed support for a policy document that would provide solutions for reducing strategic dependencies, create additional space for mutually beneficial partnerships and improve the efficiency of EU decision-making and action. Oana Toiu stressed that developments in the field of security and defence must remain complementary to NATO. She also highlighted the importance of the EU prioritising efforts to counter hybrid actions and disinformation activities, the press release said.
During discussions on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, participants emphasised the need to maintain attention on the war and continued support for Ukraine. Broad support was reaffirmed for a just and lasting peace, strong security guarantees and the need to unblock decisions that would strengthen Ukraine's defence capacity, such as the European loan worth 90 billion lei, the 20th package of sanctions, and advancing the EU accession process of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. EU foreign ministers also supported continued action against Russia's "shadow fleet" and the development of cooperation with Ukraine in the fields of technology and defence industry, the cited source said.
As regards the Middle East, concern was expressed over Iran's escalating actions, with effects across the region and globally. The EU's priority remains the safety of European citizens and the protection of civilians. So far, with EU support, 89 flights have been operated, including five evacuation flights requested by Romania and Poland. De-escalation remains the preferred course of action, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Support was also expressed for strengthening the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council partnership. The need to constrain Iran's aggressive actions through new sanctions packages was underlined. Economically, efforts will continue to reduce the impact on the energy market, with a focus on identifying options to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security. At the same time, support was voiced for continuing measures to implement the Gaza Peace Plan.
Regarding the EU's Southern Neighbourhood, ministers highlighted the importance of implementing the Mediterranean Pact, ensuring coherence with regional forums and adapting approaches to the specific context of each partner. They also stressed the need to capitalise on synergies and expand cooperation in the EU's neighbourhood, particularly in the Gulf region and Sub-Saharan Africa.
During the working lunch with India's External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, EU ministers welcomed the very good state of EU-India cooperation, reflected in the signing of the Free Trade Agreement and the Security and Defence Partnership. They also exchanged views on current geopolitical developments, including the situation in the Middle East.
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