From the Periphery to the Centre
Romanian Foreign Policy in Transition
Deutsche Fassung
Abstract
The election of Nicușor Dan as president of Romania in May 2025 is also significant in terms of foreign policy. For in Romania, the president has significant powers in the areas of security and foreign policy. The country’s anchoring in the EU and NATO seemed to be in jeopardy due to the possible election victory of the far-right candidates Călin Georgescu and George Simion, both of whom were known for their anti-EU and pro-Russia positions. Now, continuity seems to prevail in foreign policy. This is all the more important as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has significantly strengthened Romania’s weight in European security policy. Alongside Poland, Romania is an important location for supporting Ukraine, a platform for Ukrainian foreign trade in times of war, an energy hub, and a catalyst for European integration in Southeast Europe.
(Osteuropa 6-7/2025, pp. 145–156)