As Romania approaches the decisive second round of its presidential election on May 18, the country faces a defining choice about its democratic future and role in Europe. The runoff pits Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, a pro-European centrist, against far-right nationalist George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR).
Simion, who emerged as the surprise frontrunner in the first round with around 41% of the vote, is known for his eurosceptic, nationalist rhetoric and a platform that includes opposition to aid for Ukraine and skepticism toward EU integration. His candidacy has ignited alarm among European lawmakers and civil society advocates who view the election as a referendum on Romania’s place in the EU.
In contrast, Nicușor Dan has positioned himself as a unifying, reform-minded figure rooted in democratic values and a staunch commitment to the European project.
Among the first to raise the alarm was Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party and a long-standing champion of EU integration.
“This is not just Romania’s fight, it’s Europe’s. Nicușor Dan stands for democracy, transparency, and European unity. We must not allow nationalists to hijack the future of an EU member state. I call on all democratic forces, left, right, and center, to unite behind Dan. This is the moment to show that Europe stands together.”
Valérie Hayer, President of the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, echoed the call for unity,
“I call on all pro-European democratic Romanians to support him in order to defeat the far-right eurosceptic candidate who came out on top in the first round. Victory on May 18 is essential: Romania’s place is in the European Union, not on the side of Trump or Putin.”
Renew Europe in the European Parliament issued its own statement of endorsement: “We support Nicușor Dan, the pro-European presidential candidate in Romania! Our Group stands firmly behind Romania’s European future as it faces a crucial second round of presidential elections on 18 May.”
That future appears increasingly precarious. Simion’s political rise mirrors broader trends in Europe, where far-right parties have gained ground by channeling anti-establishment sentiment and nationalist fervor. For Romania, a country that joined the EU in 2007 and has been one of the bloc’s most enthusiastic members, the stakes are especially high.
The campaign has also become a flashpoint within Romania’s internal politics. In a controversial move, the country’s socialist-aligned delegation in the European Parliament has refused to endorse Nicușor Dan. This silence has drawn sharp criticism from across the democratic spectrum, amid fears that it could tacitly enable a Simion presidency.
The European Democratic Party released a strongly worded statement this week, warning of the geopolitical implications of the Socialist stance: “The Romanian Socialists have refused to support Nicușor Dan in the presidential run-off against George Simion. This irresponsible choice could open the door to a Kremlin-friendly presidency. Just yesterday, Putin’s ideologue Alexander Dugin publicly endorsed Simion. Romania needs a strong, pro-European president — not one vulnerable to Putin’s pressure. Wake up, Party of European Socialists. Europe is watching.”
