Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
European Council President António Costa spoke in Romania alongside President Nicușor Dan during his Tour des Capitales, focusing on the next EU budget, European security, Ukraine and enlargement.
Costa said listening to every EU leader in their own capital is essential to prepare the work of the European Council and build agreement before key decisions later this year.
He warned that the EU must reach agreement by the end of the year on the next long-term European budget, because the Union needs a budget that is fit for purpose in a fundamentally different geopolitical context.
Costa said the next EU budget must strengthen defence and security, boost competitiveness and innovation, and build greater strategic resilience.
At the same time, he stressed that the budget must continue supporting cohesion and agriculture, because these policies directly support the prosperity and resilience of Europe’s regions.
Costa said new EU revenue streams — new own resources — will be essential to reach a balanced agreement while keeping national contributions within reasonable limits.
He warned that failure to agree would disrupt investments for farmers, businesses, students, researchers and innovators.
Turning to Romania, Costa praised the country’s role in safeguarding European security, saying Europe’s collective security is closely tied to the security of the eastern border and the Black Sea.
He said recent violations of Romanian airspace and incidents involving naval drones are deeply concerning, and made clear that Europe will stand firmly with Romania.
Costa’s message on Russia was direct: Romania’s security is Europe’s security, and Russia’s attempts to intimidate or divide the EU will not break Europe’s unity in supporting Ukraine.
He also thanked Romania for its support for Ukraine and Moldova, stressing that enlargement remains one of Europe’s most important geopolitical investments.
His message was clear: Europe must stay united, invest in security, support Ukraine, back Moldova and the Western Balkans, and build a stronger, safer and more resilient Union.
#eudebates #Costa #Romania #Ukraine #EuropeanSecurity
European Council President António Costa spoke in Romania alongside President Nicușor Dan during his Tour des Capitales, focusing on the next EU budget, European security, Ukraine and enlargement.
Costa said listening to every EU leader in their own capital is essential to prepare the work of the European Council and build agreement before key decisions later this year.
He warned that the EU must reach agreement by the end of the year on the next long-term European budget, because the Union needs a budget that is fit for purpose in a fundamentally different geopolitical context.
Costa said the next EU budget must strengthen defence and security, boost competitiveness and innovation, and build greater strategic resilience.
At the same time, he stressed that the budget must continue supporting cohesion and agriculture, because these policies directly support the prosperity and resilience of Europe’s regions.
Costa said new EU revenue streams — new own resources — will be essential to reach a balanced agreement while keeping national contributions within reasonable limits.
He warned that failure to agree would disrupt investments for farmers, businesses, students, researchers and innovators.
Turning to Romania, Costa praised the country’s role in safeguarding European security, saying Europe’s collective security is closely tied to the security of the eastern border and the Black Sea.
He said recent violations of Romanian airspace and incidents involving naval drones are deeply concerning, and made clear that Europe will stand firmly with Romania.
Costa’s message on Russia was direct: Romania’s security is Europe’s security, and Russia’s attempts to intimidate or divide the EU will not break Europe’s unity in supporting Ukraine.
He also thanked Romania for its support for Ukraine and Moldova, stressing that enlargement remains one of Europe’s most important geopolitical investments.
His message was clear: Europe must stay united, invest in security, support Ukraine, back Moldova and the Western Balkans, and build a stronger, safer and more resilient Union.
#eudebates #Costa #Romania #Ukraine #EuropeanSecurity
