President Iohannis is the President of an optimistic, modern Romania

“28 years ago, a young man was faced with a decision: either leave his country and look for a brighter future abroad or stay there and build his country. He chose the second option. He led his city towards the future, reduced unemployment and created a good living environment for people. This man is with us today. Your message, dear President Iohannis, is an optimistic one: that with hard work, with seriousness, with strong will and ideas, one can lead one’s country into a good future.” Manfred Weber, EPP Group Chairman, greeted the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, with these words in the European Parliament on Tuesday.

“Your message as President of Romania is also that Europe works, Europe delivers. The fast economic development of Romania, with a growth rate that increased by 490% based on GDP, is proof of this. However the standards of living inside the European Union still differ a lot. There should be no Europe of East and West, of North and South, no Europe of poor and rich. There are only Europeans. This is why we in the EPP Group want to continue our efforts, on cohesion policy for example. We have to continue investing in infrastructure, but new priorities are also needed, for example in research."

“There is still a need to modernise Romania, which is fighting strongly for fundamental principles and fighting against corruption. This is not only a Romanian problem, but it is a problem. People care about the situation. The government has to change direction,” Manfred Weber added.

“You showed readiness for a modern path. You are the President of a modern, optimistic Romania. I thank you for this,” concluded the EPP Group Chairman.