Romanian President Nicusor Dan attends the inaugural European Council meeting following his election
In Brussels, on June 26-27, 2025, the European Council convened with Romanian President Nicușor Dan among the participating leaders. The key topics under discussion centered on pressing issues for the EU, including security, regional stability, and socio-economic cohesion.
The ongoing Russian war against Ukraine was a critical security and humanitarian concern, with the discussion focusing on the human cost, such as illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and continued Russian aggression, including bombing of civilians. The EU leaders aimed to shape responses to these challenges, with President Zelensky participating via video link for the first point on the agenda.
The EU's interest in regional stability and integration prospects for the Western Balkans was also a prominent topic, reflecting the bloc's commitment to the region's stability. President Antonio Costa shared the results of his visit to the Western Balkans, with Romania supporting the EU enlargement to the states of the region.
Addressing socio-economic disparities within the EU, strengthening rural areas through cohesion policy was another agenda item. The European Council meeting followed the NATO Summit, with discussions on defense topics, such as increased spending and European production of military equipment, also on the table.
Other topics under debate included combating sexual abuse of children, the European Ocean Pact, and internal security, though these were discussed in earlier parliamentary sessions preparing for the Council meeting.
The situation in the Middle East was addressed in terms of ongoing regional developments, risks from Iran's nuclear program, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the need to avoid escalation. President Dan presented Romania's position on European-level coordination and diplomatic solutions to ensure stability in the Middle East.
The Republic of Moldova was discussed at Romania's request to reaffirm strong support for Chisinau ahead of the EU-Republic of Moldova Summit in July 2025 and the parliamentary elections in September. The final declaration of the European Council meeting will include a paragraph about the Republic of Moldova.
EU leaders are set to continue EU support for Ukraine on multiple levels, discuss developments in peace negotiations, and maintain pressure on Russia. President Nicusor Dan, in Brussels from June 26-27 for the first European Council meeting since taking office, also scheduled a talk with Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the domestic political situation and the Resilience Facility funds.
During the first day of the Council meeting, President Dan met with President Antonio Costa to discuss various matters. The EU leaders will also discuss the EU's role in the world and European competitiveness, focusing on the Single Market, innovation, investment, and reducing energy dependence on Russia.
- The discussion on war-and-conflicts, notably the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine, was a critical security concern at the European Council meeting in Brussels, with EU leaders aiming to shape responses to these challenges.
- In addition to addressing socio-economic disparities within the EU and strengthening rural areas, the EU leaders also discussed policy-and-legislation, such as the EU's role in the world, European competitiveness, focusing on the Single Market, innovation, investment, and reducing energy dependence on Russia.
