“We support the aspirations of Georgian citizens who want a European future. We have received clear signals regarding the current situation at the government and institutional level, where democracy is being challenged,” Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Tsoiu made this statement before the start of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Oana-Silvia Tsoiu was asked by a Georgian journalist whether Romania would support Kaja Kallas’s proposal for Russia to withdraw its troops from the occupied territories of Georgia and Moldova. She was also asked about her assessment of the current situation in Georgia.

“So for Moldova, Romania has a longstanding position that the Russian troops from Transdniestria need to be withdrawn. This is our position for years, and, obviously, we support that this has become a European position as well. We have had conversations with President Maia Sandu and the Moldovan government, and we also see encouraging signs of progress, suggesting that citizens can now hope for a European future.

In past referendums and elections, for example, a third of citizens have expressed their support for a European future. This demonstrates that there is a path towards integrating the region. However, of course, the Russian troops need to withdraw from there.

In terms of Georgia, Romania has a strategic partnership with Georgia for a long time. We support the aspirations of Georgian citizens who want a European future. We have received clear signals regarding the current situation at the government and institutional level, where democracy is being challenged. For example, opposition leaders and their trials have faced interference from the justice system. It remains to be seen how Georgia will explain these issues to the European Union,” Romania’s Foreign Minister has said.

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas told reporters in Brussels ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting that “For lasting peace, Russia must withdraw its troops from all occupied territories, including Georgia.”