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The recent Romanian presidential election revealed both systemic tensions and strategic resilience. Voter turnout in the first round reflected widespread disillusionment, with anti-establishment narratives and far-right rhetoric gaining traction. In the second round, moderate and pro-European voters rallied to prevent a drift toward illiberalism, reaffirming Romania’s Western orientation. Yet the fact that a candidate openly hostile to democratic norms came within reach of the presidency underscores the depth of public alienation and declining institutional trust.
At the European level, Romania remains a key player. As a frontier member state of both the EU and NATO, it is central to regional stability, enlargement policy, and the Union’s geopolitical posture. Amid persistent Russian interference—manifested through disinformation, economic influence, and the exploitation of domestic vulnerabilities—Romania has shown strategic and institutional resilience. While Romania’s alignment with Western institutions has remained consistent, this external orientation has often masked a deepening disconnect between the political elite and the broader population.
By weathering its most serious democratic crisis since the end of the Cold War, Romania has, for now, stepped back from the edge. Whether this fragile recovery leads to genuine democratic renewal—or becomes a cautionary tale of a second chance squandered—will depend on the vision and responsibility of Romania’s political leadership in the months ahead.
The Jean Monnet Chair for European Politics at the University of Passau, the EUROPE DIRECT Magdeburg and the Institut für Europäische Politik, Berlin, organise the first Online Round Table on European Democracy 2025 on 03 June 2025 at 6pm.
Impulse
Prof univ dr abil Melania-Gabriela Ciot, Professor at the Jean-Monnet Chair for Green Deal and European Negotiations, Universitatea Babes-Bolya
Moderation
Julian Plottka, Scientific Senior Project Manager, Institut für Europäische Politik, Berlin; Research Associate, Jean-Monnet Chair for European Politics, University of Passau
Location & Registration
Universität Passau, Dr.-Hans-Kapfinger-Str. 14b,94032 Passau, Raum (HK 14b) SR 002
The event will take place in a hybrid format. For in-person participation in Passau, please send a mail to: julian.plottka@uni-passau.de
For online attendance, please register under the following link: Zoom-Anmeldung
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