Daily Times

On January 1, 2019, Romania obtained the controls of the revolving EU Presidency for the first time since the amalgamation of the union in 2007. Brexit and the security of EU citizens’ concentration and cybersecurity fear, as well as the upcoming extension strategy in Western Balkans were between the peak stage priorities of this presidency. The character portrayed by the Romanian Presidency in holding safe, free and transparent European elections in May this year, would have a blow not only on the makeup of the European Parliament but also that of the European Commission. Afterwards, it will create pressure on the potential of the EU and its parliament.

From the initial days of the European order, it was the core precedence and job of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to make efforts to secure a suitable regulatory structure, which permitted free-of-charge, see-through and democratic elections.

Romania’s Presidency of the EU Council has supervised to promote actual conduct to guarantee free and fair European elections. In the longer term, it would help boost mutual aid and watchfulness for broader behaviour in opposition to disinformation.

Certainly, the elections held in May 2019 were free-of-charge, crystal clear and democratic. Beyond any doubt, they hold vital value for the future of the European Union. The results of the elections recorded in the Member States have an impact not only on the organisation of the European Parliament but also the European Commission.

Notwithstanding the unquestionable widespread elections, the increase in Eurosceptic, populist and radical trends intensify the need for an improved discourse on the irrefutable and value-added European combination as well as to chase an optimistic, consensual and result-oriented list of items.

Voter’s call-up was also vital. The extensive increase in the involvement of the polls was a genuine achievement. Although the EP has steadily reached more competence in the EU institutional structure, none of the developments could discontinue so far a cry off in voters’ turnout.

At this point, due to the circumstances of Brexit as well as a chain of crises in the EU, the constructive results of the voter’s attendance have inverted a fresh downbeat tendency and significantly exceeded the turnout of 2014. Getting people–the European citizens–to vote in the EP elections had been the main political goal to reduce the shock of the Eurosceptic voices in the future European Parliament.

In the future, the European Parliament should be a well-built institutional colleague of the Council and carry on supporting the consolidation of the European Union. The political authorisation for this should arrive from the EU elections, and the new parliament will take this job exceptionally sincerely.

The argument on multi-speed ideas, Europe à la carte, etc., is a branch of the argument on the European future. The proposal for nearer factions on some parts of additional integration might appear realistic, even natural. However, this numerous speediness or central part factions should be measured only in thematic conditions and rank of promise; not exclusionary; not à la carte. There should be no edge in the Europe Union if Europe is to stay united.

Brexit was certainly one of the largest tests of the programme of Romania’s Presidency.

In this power, the Romanian panel determinedly functioned with the European Commission to make the discussion among institutions possible and support a winning wrapping-up of the leaving accord. With the expansion of the leaving date to the end of October, there are expectations that the leaving accord would be approved by the British Parliament shortly, after which Europe would begin constructing its future business with the United Kingdom.

Brexit was certainly one of the largest tests of the programme of Romania’s Presidency

During these past months, the Romanian Presidency has been a centre of attention for increasing the efforts to ensure the EU27 are prepared for any state of affairs, including a no-deal outcome. The Presidency supervised the acceptance of a quantity of law-making suggestions; assuring there will be no cliff-edge right away following the leaving date.

The EU stoutly accepted as true that citizens should not pay the price of Brexit. To secure this intention, in addition to the methods taken at the European level, Member States were encouraged to take all the essential arrangements at the state stage.

Romania is dedicated to making sure the uppermost level of shield potential both for Romanian citizens living in the UK and British citizens living in Romania. In a no-deal scenario, citizens’ rights will be sheltered from side-to-side unilateral contingency measures. In Romania, measures have taken place for all probable Brexit results ever since last August.

When it approaches the idea of precautions, the EU developed a broad variety of solid processes to strengthen its cybersecurity organisation and abilities to form more collaborations between the Member States and the diverse EU structures.

When setting out, at the beginning of January 2019, Romania’s six-monthly program for the EU Council Presidency, cybersecurity was recognised among the peak main concerns.

Construction safety in cyberspace needs a complete execution of the EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox. Romanian efforts to tie the RO Presidency to EU Council and the EU cyber sanctions commanded a supporting collaboration between member states on attribution as well.

A widespread and wide-ranging approach for cyber diplomacy will give to the mitigation of cybersecurity terrorisation, disagreement prevention and greater firmness in global relationships through the exercise of diplomatic and legal tools. Romania also highlights the major value of growing the EU’s ability to deter and react to cyber-attacks because of securing the future European electoral procedures.

In the light of the challenges and prospects created by the digital transformation and the increase of the data financial system, under the Romanian Presidency to EU Council, the EU Heads of States and Governments gave the support to the European Council on March 22, 2019, required to secure the digital financial system with first-rate connectivity. A particular emphasis was put on access to and utilisation of data, data safety and Artificial Intelligence, in an atmosphere of faith. This called for the European Commission’s suggestions for the real performance to measure the cybersecurity threats of 5G networks and building up the blocking process.

The writer is a freelancer