Most Romanians anticipate enhancements in foreign policy under President Nicusor Dan, according to a recent poll.
Headline: Romania's International Representation: As Expectations Soar, New President Vows to Deliver
The Lowdown: More than half of Romanians believe that the country's international standing will improve under the presidency of Nicușor Dan. According to the latest edition of the Barometrul Informat.ro - INSCOP Research survey, conducted between May 26 and 30, a whopping 51.3% of respondents expect a boost in Romania's foreign policy performance during Dan's tenure. Despite this optimism, 27.1% of participants think it will worsen, while 18.9% believe it'll stay the same.
The most optimistic groups consist of voters of the National Liberal Party (PNL), Save Romania Union (USR), and the Social Democrats (PSD), people over 45, those with a higher education, and residents of Bucharest or small urban areas, particularly state employees. On the other hand, younger voters under 30 and private sector workers tend to anticipate no change, while the most pessimistic views are held by AUR voters, rural residents, and TikTok users.
When it comes to foreign policy priorities, 66.8% of respondents deemed that both bolstering Romania's role within the European Union and its strategic partnership with the United States are of equal importance. An increased role in the EU was favored by 16%, while 12.3% prioritized stronger ties with the US. Research director Remus Ștefureac from INSCOP Research commented, "The majority of Romanians have a balanced and thoughtful view regarding President Nicușor Dan’s foreign policy priorities, stressed the need for stronger ties with the US, as well as a more active role for Romania within the EU."
The Bigger Picture: The improvement of Romania's international representation during Nicușor Dan's presidency demonstrates key shifts in public opinion and the broader political context. As a centrist and pro-European figure, Dan's election shifts attention away from rising illiberal and nationalist trends across the region. With his focus on anti-corruption, democratic resilience, and civic reform, his diplomatic style is expected to place more emphasis on technical cooperation, institutional credibility, and adherence to international rules, as well as alignment with EU-wide strategies, strengthening Romania’s attractiveness as an export market and investment partner committed to transparency and the rule of law.
Dan's presidency also holds the potential to enhance Romania’s soft power in a volatile regional environment, supporting the country’s role as a frontline state in the EU’s eastern defense architecture. International recognition of Dan’s presidency was exemplified by the congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting the ongoing friendship between China and Romania and expressing interest in strengthening ties during Dan's term. The long-term impact of Dan's presidency lies in consolidating Romania’s democratic governance and Western integration at home while expanding its strategic partnerships, particularly with the EU and the United States. These moves are integral in fortifying Romania's position within the international community amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea and Western Balkans.
Politics surrounding Romania's new presidency under Nicușor Dan is generating significant discussion, particularly in the realm of policy-and-legislation. This is evident in a recent survey where more than half of respondents anticipate an improvement in Romania's foreign policy performance under Dan's tenure, setting expectations high for the country's international standing.
The general-news landscape further enfolds the significance of this change, with the new presidency appearing to shift attention away from rising illiberal and nationalist trends in the region. This potential strengthening of Romania’s role within the European Union and its strategic partnership with the United States, as emphasized by the survey, could reinforce Romania’s position within the international community, potentially leading to enhanced soft power and attractiveness as an export market and investment partner.
