Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu recently participated in the Party of European Socialists (PES) Congress in Málaga, Spain, where he built on his government’s efforts to foster Euro-Atlantic unity through enhanced diplomacy and Romania’s inclusion in the Schengen free-movement zone.

The PES Congress took place on November 10-11 and was co-organized by Spain’s ruling PSOE, the current President of the E.U. Council. The political gathering brought together PES heads of state and government, leaders, activists, and supporters from across Europe for meaningful discussions ahead of the upcoming European elections. The Congress set out political priorities to address profound shifts in international security, the soaring cost of living, climate change, and social challenges.

During his visit to Málaga, Prime Minister Ciolacu announced that the PES Congress supported Romania’s immediate accession to the Schengen Zone within its since-adopted resolution. The backing from Romania’s European peers follows the European Commission (E.C.) stating that Romania is “ready” to join Schengen after meeting all necessary criteria and a European Parliament resolution supporting the bid. The Prime Minister also held discussions with his German counterpart, Olaf Scholz, and subsequently said, “Romania has in German Chancellor Olaf Scholz a friend and supporter of our country’s accession to the Schengen area.”

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Ciolacu and the PSD party, Romania has been a forceful advocate for consolidating the Euro-Atlantic alliance through increased connectivity and engagement. Following the European Commission (E.C.) recommending Ukraine and Moldova for E.U. ascension talks, the Prime Minister emphasized that “the Government of Romania will be a reliable partner for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in this process as we have been across the board throughout history and the Ukrainian war with Russia, notably in exporting Ukrainian grain and stabilizing the world’s food market.”

Updated: Nov 25 2023