(Strasbourg) A strongly pro-European speech followed by countless alarming remarks about potential threats to democracy in his country. The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, took the floor at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in the framework of the ongoing debate on the Future of Europe. His speech stressed the achievements of the EU, both in Europe and in Romania, and underlined the need for a stronger Union, for Europe is besieged – he said – by problems (the economic crisis, terrorism, migration flows) and by populist movements. “We must defend democracy – Iohannis stated – and never take it for granted. Democracy is the basis for peaceful coexistence and material development, but it requires responsibility”. The message from the President is that “European unity needs to be strengthen and protected” (the speaker ruled out a “two-speed” Europe), but he insisted it should be a “unity in diversity”. He then stressed the importance of the Sibiu Summit, which will take place on the eve of the European elections, in May 2019, in the Romanian city whose mayor has long been Iohannis: “This Summit can pave the way for a stronger, more united and more democratic EU”. The speech by the President was followed by a long debate, with many in the audience expressing concerns about the democratic situation in Romania, where the government – MEPs objected – is undermining the independence of the judiciary and has lowered its guard against corruption and fraud.