EU leaders met in Brussels
on the sidelines of the winter summit to argue in favor of anti-COVID-19
vaccination, amidst growing concern caused by the new virus strain, Omicron. According
to Radio Romania’s correspondent in Brussels, EU heads of state and government
highlighted the need of a concerted approach to the European Green certificate,
saying that restrictions introduced by countries such as Italy, Portugal and Greece
should not undermine the functioning of the single market or affect free travel
disproportionately. In turn, Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, warned that
restrictions should not go too far, especially when it comes to the movement of
goods. In an official release, the Presidency also says that EU leaders have reiterated
their commitment to reaching an optimal level of vaccination at global level,
by exporting and distributing vaccines and auxiliary materials to countries in
need, in particular Africa, either under the COVAX mechanism or using bilateral
channels. Another topic high on the Council’s agenda referred to the recent energy
price hikes. Romania believes nuclear energy and gas-derived energy should be
recognized as clean sources of energy while transitioning towards a green
economy. To an equal extent, president Iohannis said the market should be
closely examined in order to improve fair trade regulations, to the benefit and
protection the end user – whether the population of businesses.
We have taken all these
measures at home. We offer compensations and other support measures, but they
cannot go on forever, and we need to see what caused these price hikes,
considering, for instance, that the EU doesn’t fully make use of the entire
transport capacity of its pipeline network. The market must be closely examined
in order to see how we can improve fair competition regulations, so as to allow
for a real competition and to protect consumers in this respect.
The continuing tensions
between Russia and Ukraine was also discussed in Brussels, as well as the risk
of a new conflict between Moscow and Kiev. EU leaders frowned upon any further
military aggression against neighboring Ukraine, which says will exact a heavy
cost and a harsh response. EU leaders have reiterated their full support for
the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Concerning the migration
crisis on the Belarusian border, the European Council firmly condemned the actions
of the regime in Minsk, who is using migrants and refugees in order to fuel a
humanitarian crisis. (VP)