Dan Nicushor
Romanian President Nicușor Dan made this statement in an interview with Caleaeuropeană.ro immediately after the NATO summit in Ankara. He advocated for a “smart union” (“unire inteligentă”) based on concrete cooperation, investment, and support for the Republic of Moldova’s European integration.
When asked what a “smart union” between Romania and the Republic of Moldova should look like, Nicușor Dan stated that Bucharest should act as the “larger partner,” attentive to the needs of the Republic of Moldova.
“In this relationship, Romania is the larger partner, and Moldova is the smaller one; and as the larger partner, we must take into account the needs of our smaller partner. These needs relate to security, and that is precisely why, in my speech at the NATO summit, I spoke about Moldova and its defense plan and called on our NATO partners to help Moldova, because this is not just a matter for Moldova—it is a matter for the eastern flank,” — said the Romanian president.
The Romanian president also reaffirmed his support for the Republic of Moldova’s European integration and noted that Bucharest is ready to provide the necessary expertise during the negotiations on accession to the European Union.
“We have done everything possible and made diplomatic efforts to launch this process. Now that chapter-by-chapter negotiations are set to begin, we are ready to share whatever expert knowledge they may need,” said Nicușor Dan.
How can the two countries accelerate their rapprochement?
The Romanian head of state also noted some progress in bilateral relations—such as reduced wait times at the border—but acknowledged delays in the process of granting Romanian citizenship.
At the same time, Nicușor Dan identified stimulating Romanian investment in the Republic of Moldova as a priority. He stated that, as soon as the budgetary situation allows—possibly as early as 2027—Romania will be able to analyze mechanisms through which the state can guarantee certain investments by Romanian companies in the Republic of Moldova.
Speaking about the prospect of unification, the Romanian president emphasized that any progress in this direction must take into account the choice of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova.
“I believe this is a natural path, of course, with respect for the will of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova,” concluded Nicușor Dan.
