Costa: EU Security Is Protected on Europe’s Eastern Flank

European Council President António Costa put Europe’s eastern border at the center of the EU’s security concerns during a visit to Bucharest. He said the safety of Europeans was closely linked to the security of the Union’s eastern frontier, including the Black Sea, and thanked Romania for its strong commitment.

After meeting Romanian President Nicușor Dan, Costa said the EU would continue to stand firmly with Romania. He expressed concern about recent violations of Romanian airspace and the appearance of maritime drones in the Black Sea.

Costa praised Bucharest for its consistent support for Ukraine and said Russia’s attempts to intimidate European countries or damage their unity would not succeed. He also thanked Romania for strongly backing Moldova, which wants to join the EU.

The European Council president described enlargement as “an important geopolitical investment in European security, stability and prosperity.” He said the merit-based accession process remained important, naming Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkan countries as part of the EU’s future.

Costa said the coming months would be decisive, particularly because negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget should conclude by the end of the year. He said the budget must reflect new geopolitical conditions and strengthen European defense and security, competitiveness, innovation and strategic resilience, while continuing support for cohesion and agricultural policy. His Bucharest visit formed part of a tour of EU capitals focused on the budget, upcoming European Council meetings and international summits.

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An important geopolitical investment in European security, stability and prosperity.