Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hosted Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu; the presidents of Serbia, Montenegro, and Moldova; the prime ministers of North Macedonia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Croatia; and the head of the council of ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina during a meeting in Athens to discuss the state of affairs in the region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and E.C. President Ursula von der Leyen also joined the meeting. Prime Minister Ciolacu spoke to the group regarding his support for Ukraine and the region’s security, stating that Ukrainian freedom means freedom for all.

Prime Minister Ciolacu also focused on moving forward and leading by example, stating that how Romania and others respond to Russian aggression and rebuilding Ukraine will set the stage for how others perceive those in the Black Sea Region and across Eastern Europe. Romania has demonstrated their ongoing support in the region while helping fight fires in Greece. In a recent New York Times article, Greek citizens referred to Romanians stating, “The Romanians are machines (…) They really have no fear —we are lucky they’re here.” The Ciolacu government recognizes the necessity of defending democracy, peace, and prosperity at home and abroad. Romanians are standing with the Ukrainian people during their times of crisis; they will also stand with them when it is time to rebuild.