H.E. Dr. Laureniu-Mihai tefan:

I fully agree with Ms Sochaska. The European Union needs more investment and attention. From what I know, it is increasing programmes, and I think Ireland would like to increase the presence of these European programmes for a European security and defence policy. We welcome the increased contribution by Ireland to these policies and programmes. The EU is looking into expanding and that is one way of upgrading the EU mechanism. I fully stand with what Ms Sochaska said, that is, that any development inside the European Union should complement or be in line with what NATO is doing. Regardless of the leadership in Washington, NATO will remain strong. There was some hesitation when Trump took over but I am proud to say that when President Iohannis visited Washington and had his first meeting with the United States President, it was then that Donald Trump committed to Article 5 of NATO. He did not say anything about it until that visit. It is about more than a person and a leader. It is about the establishment and the whole mood and articulation of a strong institution. NATO is at the stage now where it does not quite depend on the will and whims of some leaders. That is my personal take.