Romania needs a 'Snagov 2' to remain relevant in a transactional world

Romania stands at a crossroads, facing a complex geopolitical landscape that demands a new strategic consensus, a "Snagov 2." The nation must move beyond simply maintaining its Western orientation and actively translate its NATO and European Union membership into genuine economic, military, and diplomatic strength. This is crucial to ensure Romania retains relevance as major global powers renegotiate their priorities and alliances become increasingly transactional.

The original "Snagov" meeting in 1995 saw Romanian political leaders set aside internal disputes to jointly support the country's accession to the European Union. This was followed by a similar consensus for NATO membership in 2001. These moments of strategic unity were instrumental in Romania's historic achievements: joining NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007. For nearly three decades, this Euro-Atlantic alignment was a rare point of broad political agreement.

However, this consensus is no longer guaranteed. The rise of figures questioning this fundamental axiom, coupled with growing skepticism towards the West and a temptation towards an "in-between worlds" foreign policy, has entered electoral competition. This indicates that the old consensus must be actively rebuilt and explained, particularly to a younger generation that has grown up with NATO and EU membership as established realities rather than aspirational goals.

Simultaneously, the international context has shifted, particularly concerning the United States. The current American administration views alliances through a more transactional lens, prioritizing concrete American interests. This means evaluating allies based on their contributions to defense spending, infrastructure, and the burden they can shoulder. For Eastern Europe, this necessitates a proactive approach from Romania to demonstrate its value and secure its position in evolving global dynamics.