The process of Romania's accession to the European Union (EU) can be understood as a complex mosaic, wherein each component represented a reform, negotiation, or compromise. After submitting its application in 1995, the European Commission officially recognized Romania as a candidate country in 1997; however, formal accession negotiations did not commence until February 15, 2000. This delay primarily reflected the European authorities’ requirement for tangible evidence of systemic reforms, ranging from judicial restructuring to anti-corruption measures. Romania was tasked with the adaptation of over 31 chapters of the acquis communautaire, encompassing domains from agriculture and environmental protection to human rights and the rule of law. Consequently, EU accession required Romania not merely to implement procedural adjustments, but to undertake a profound transformation of both its political and economic institutions. Economic reforms, particularly the privatization of state-owned enterprises, market liberalization, and the attraction of foreign direct investment, were prioritized as essential steps in ensuring compatibility with EU standards.

This study focuses on the positive impacts of Romania’s accession to the EU, as well as on the broader analysis of political and economic transformations during the post-socialist period. Special attention is devoted to assessing the influence of European integration on domestic reform processes, institutional modernization, and socio-economic development dynamics. To achieve a comprehensive and empirically grounded understanding, the research methodology included interviews and expert consultations with representatives from leading academic institutions in Romania. The empirical evidence and expert assessments collected through this research provided the basis for subsequent analysis and the formulation of conclusions concerning the role of European integration in Romania’s post-socialist transformation.

Significant progress has been achieved in monitoring and controlling Romania's external borders, largely due to extensive technical modernization programs funded with EU support. The establishment of modern border-control infrastructure has created both institutional and technical prerequisites for Romania’s potential accession to the Schengen Area. In this context, reforms of the border and customs police systems were particularly significant, as they aimed to strengthen administrative capacity and combat corruption, aligning with the core principles of the rule of law as defined by European standards. According to numerous scholars, these measures have contributed to enhancing governmental transparency and strengthening the confidence of European partners in Romania’s institutional capacity.

In the political domain, EU membership has exerted a multifaceted influence on Romania’s internal political dynamics and the evolution of its party system. Analyses of parliamentary, presidential, and European elections conducted after 2007 indicate a gradual decline in support for extremist political parties at both national and European levels. This trend reflects the ideological centripetalization of Romania’s political spectrum, alongside the efforts of major parties to align their policy platforms with broader European democratic and liberal norms. Consequently, public and political discourse has increasingly focused on institutional modernization, political system reform, and the enhancement of public administration efficiency. In this sense, the European integration process has functioned not only as an external driver of political pressure, but also as an internal stimulus for democratic renewal, rendering Romania’s experience a significant example of successful post-socialist transformation within the European development model.

As of 2025, Romania’s political landscape reflects a complex interplay between deepening European integration and internal political polarization, illustrating the dual nature of the country’s post-socialist transformation. More than fifteen years after EU accession, Romania continues to adapt to European standards of governance, rule of law, and democratic culture, while simultaneously confronting new challenges arising from changes in both domestic and international contexts. A notable trend is the strengthening of Romania’s Euro-Atlantic foreign policy orientation. Sociological studies demonstrate that the majority of citizens support the country’s active participation in both the EU and its strategic partnership with the United States. Maintaining equilibrium between European and transatlantic foreign policy orientations remains a central priority for the current political administration, led by President Nicușor Dan. This policy direction reflects widespread public expectations that integration into European structures ensures Romania’s political stability, security, and long-term economic development.

The party system has also undergone significant transformation. Traditional ideological divisions are increasingly supplanted by pragmatic considerations: the effective use of European funds, infrastructure development, energy security, and administrative reforms have become central components of party platforms. At the same time, growing electoral competition between centrist and right-wing political forces has stimulated active public debate concerning Romania’s role in the EU and the prospects for further integration, including accession to the Schengen Area and adoption of the euro. The management of European funds and EU investments has acquired particular political significance, as their effective utilization serves as a key indicator of government performance and political legitimacy. The business community and civil society consistently emphasize the need to maintain a pro-European trajectory while enhancing transparency in the implementation of infrastructure and digitalization projects financed by the EU.

Regarding Romania’s economic context, several post-accession trends are noteworthy. More than fifteen years after joining the EU, Romania remains deeply integrated into the European economic space, yet continues to face challenges related to institutional modernization and the effective utilization of integration benefits. According to European Commission forecasts, Romania’s real GDP growth in 2025 is expected to reach approximately 1.4%, significantly below the EU average. Meanwhile, the budget deficit remains one of the highest in the Union, reaching approximately 9.3% of GDP in 2024 and projected to decline only to 8.6% in 2025. These indicators underscore the ongoing challenges associated with ensuring fiscal sustainability and the efficient administration of public expenditures. Despite these difficulties, EU membership continues to be a pivotal factor in supporting macroeconomic stability by providing access to structural and investment funds, as well as the single European market.

EU accession has also enhanced Romania’s investment attractiveness. Foreign direct investment inflows remain steady: according to recent studies, 55% of investors consider Romania a promising market for the next three years. EU membership provides access to structural funds and broadens opportunities to participate in regional supply chains, thereby positively influencing the country’s economic potential. Romania’s appeal to investors is further strengthened by several factors: its strategic geographic location in Eastern Europe, facilitating access to EU and regional markets; the availability of a qualified workforce; relatively low operational costs; and access to European subsidies. Investors consistently identify access to the EU market as a decisive factor in their investment decisions and anticipate further improvements in Romania’s investment environment. Priority sectors for investment include technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

Romania’s EU membership has granted the country access to the single market, structural funds, and investment opportunities, thereby enhancing long-term economic growth potential. Integration has improved infrastructure, regulatory standards, and international visibility, while citizens have gained expanded professional and personal opportunities. Membership has also reinforced Romania’s Western orientation and facilitated participation in regional supply chains. Nevertheless, the country faces persistent challenges, including a high public budget deficit, moderate economic growth, limited efficiency in the utilization of EU funds, and administrative difficulties. If the benefits of integration are realized slowly and public expectations remain unmet, dissatisfaction and Euroscepticism may increase. Ensuring stability requires a combination of economic integration and social support measures to provide citizens with tangible improvements in living standards.

Surveys conducted as part of this study indicate that the majority of Romanians hold a positive view of EU membership. Specifically, 63% of respondents assessed membership favorably, while 27% believe it does not significantly constrain national sovereignty. Only 10% of respondents considered EU accession as having caused stagnation in economic and political development.

In conclusion, Romania’s accession to the EU has yielded significant strategic and economic benefits, increased investment attractiveness, and strengthened the country’s international image. The success of integration depends on the speed and effectiveness with which the government implements reforms, enhances economic productivity, and delivers tangible benefits to citizens. Effective utilization of European funds and targeted support programs for business and infrastructure are essential. Additionally, attention to social policy is necessary to ensure that economic growth translates into measurable improvements in citizens’ living standards. In the long term, these measures will strengthen public trust in institutions and consolidate the positive outcomes of Romania’s European integration.

Political scientist and analyst,

Daniel Manshtein

#ANALYSIS

#ROMANIA

03.11.2025 11:14