Romanian President Criticizes EU Strategy, Backs US Partnership

As Romania marks 20 years of European Union membership, President Nicusor Dan used the occasion to deliver a pointed critique of the bloc's strategic missteps. Speaking on Europe Day, Dan did not shy away from calling out what he perceives as flawed policies, particularly the EU's pivot away from nuclear energy and its dependence on Russian gas. He argued that this reliance, coupled with an underestimation of the defense industry and overly ambitious environmental targets harming heavy industry, has weakened Europe.

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L’Europe a commis une erreur en abandonnant le nucléaire

Despite these criticisms, Dan acknowledged the significant benefits Romania has reaped from its EU integration. He pointed to a tripling of the average salary, now reaching 80% of the EU average, as a testament to the modernization and improved living standards the union has facilitated. This pragmatic view underscores Romania's complex relationship with the EU: appreciative of the economic gains but critical of perceived strategic blunders.

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pour la Roumanie, ces 20 ans d’appartenance à l’Union européenne ont été synonymes de modernisation et surtout d’amélioration du niveau de vie. Le salaire moyen a triplé et atteint désormais 80 % de la moyenne des salaires dans l’Union européenne

From a Romanian perspective, Dan's remarks resonate with a broader sentiment of seeking a more balanced and pragmatic approach within the EU. While valuing the economic integration, there's a clear desire for the bloc to adopt policies that better safeguard its energy security and industrial competitiveness. The president's strong endorsement of the partnership with the United States and continued support for Moldova's EU accession further signal Romania's commitment to its strategic alliances and regional stability, viewing these as crucial complements to its EU membership.

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l’Europe avait commis une erreur en abandonnant le nucléaire et en basant son approvisionnement énergétique sur le gaz bon marché de la Russie, en négligeant son industrie de défense, et en fixant, dans le cadre d’une politique environnementale certes justifiée, des objectifs bien trop ambitieux qui ont nui à son industrie lourde