Europe is under pressure – externally, from Russian drones, disinformation and hybrid attacks; internally, from nationalisms and short-sighted blockages. In this situation, cohesion is more important than ever, because only by working together can we counter all these challenges. That is why I am travelling today to Bulgaria and Romania – two crucial partners for Europe’s security and stability.

South-East Europe is a strategic centre of our continent. The threat from Russia’s war on the EU’s external border and on NATO’s south-eastern flank is evident on the Black Sea. It is here, too, that we will see whether Europe remains capable of action – in terms of security, solidarity and the further development of our Union.

Bulgaria shows how closely linked security and integration are. Its forthcoming accession to the euro area sends a clear signal of stability – for Sofia and for the whole of Europe. Bulgaria knows how challenging, but also how rewarding, the path towards Europe is. Bulgaria’s experience is a compass for the countries of the Western Balkans, whose Foreign Ministers met in Belfast just last week. That meeting made clear once again that EU enlargement is not a technical issue. It is valuable; it is vital for security policy; and it also makes economic sense.

Russia’s aggression is being directly felt in Romania, most recently when Russian drones violated its airspace. Such attacks on the sovereignty of a NATO partner are unacceptable. Germany stands by Romania’s side – with our Eurofighters, which are policing the skies over south-eastern Europe alongside Romanian jets. We are firmly resolved to work with Romania to protect and defend Europe.

My goal is clear: to deepen partnerships, strengthen trust and thus consolidate Europe’s cohesion. Because only if we in Europe stand united will our continent remain secure – and free.