EC: No concerns for Romanian Presidency of Council of the EU

European Commission has no concern regarding Romania's approaching six-month Presidency of the Council of the European Union - Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas said, on Monday, 19 November, in a press briefing in Brussels.

RRA Correspondent in Brussels, Amalia Bojescu: "European Commission Chief Spokesman Margaritis Schinas reaffirmed confidence in the professionalism of the Bucharest authorities in preparing Romania’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. He noted that there are no concerns at the European Commission level on Romania’s capacity to take over the Presidency of the EU Council".

ECChief SpokespersonMargaritis Schinas: "We are not worried. We trust in the professionalism of the authorities to prepare the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We look forward to working together, and I take this opportunity to reiterate the message of the EC President, Jean-Claude Juncker, before and during the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union".

RRA Correspondent in Brussels, Amalia Bojescu: "European official has reiterated these comments in the context in which, last week, according to information appeared in the press, Finland seems to have expressed readiness to provide support, including by taking over its Presidency of the EU Council earlier than scheduled (on July 2019, after Romania’s mandate, n.a). As the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, Bucharest is ready to take over the EU Presidency at the set date and preparations are taking place according to timetable. Moreover, European institutions will work together with the Romanian authorities in order to ensure a smooth running of the European summit that will take place next year in Sibiu".

On 1st January 2019, Romania is scheduled to take over, for six months, the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei