Photo by Sasha Pleshco on Unsplash
MEPs have broadly welcomed the outcome of Romania’s presidential election.
The liberal, pro-EU mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan, fought off a strong challenge from a Romanian right-wing nationalist to win the presidency after months of political turbulence.
Dan swept to victory with 53.6% of the vote.
He campaigned on fighting corruption and maintaining support for north-eastern neighbour Ukraine.
About 11.5 million Romanians voted in Sunday’s run-off, and Dan attracted the support of more than six million of them. The outcome, however, is still being disputed by those he defeated.
Even so, the European Green Party expressed its support for the pro-European, pro-democratic candidate.
Ciarán Cuffe, co-chair of the European Greens (EGP), said: “Romania stands at a crossroads. The outcome of this election will shape the country’s role in Europe for years to come. George Simion, the far-right candidate, would have steered Romania away from the European project and undermined support for Ukraine at a critical moment in regional security.”
EGP co-chair Vula Tsetsi added that the election “will define Romania’s role in Europe for the next five years.”
“We understand the demand of the voters for change — but isolating the country and pushing it toward Russia is not the answer.”
“Young people shouldn’t pay the price for political disappointment. Despite the Schengen delay, Europe remains where real progress is possible. Dan is the only candidate who will keep Romania strong at the heart of Europe, defend democracy, and protect our future.”
Meanwhile, the Council of the European Union has appointed Lucian Romașcanu, from Romania, to serve as a member of the European Court of Auditors (ECA).
Romașcanu has held several public positions in Romania, as Minister of Culture, a Senator, and most recently as President of Buzău County Council.
Previously, he held different management roles in the private sector in Romania. Romașcanu was appointed as an ECA Member for the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2031, replacing Viorel Ștefan.
The Council takes its decisions on the basis of proposals by the Member States and after consulting the European Parliament.
