Romanian President Nicușor Dan has reaffirmed Bucharest's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the United States, describing cooperation with Washington as one of the country's key foreign policy and defense priorities. In a statement marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, the president stressed that Romanian-American relations should not only be maintained but further expanded in response to the evolving security environment in the Black Sea region and Eastern Europe.

According to President Dan, Romania regards the United States as its principal strategic ally and intends to deepen cooperation in defense, energy, advanced technologies, and critical infrastructure. He emphasized that Bucharest is actively working to expand the U.S. military presence at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, which has become one of NATO's most important logistical and operational hubs on the Alliance's eastern flank. The two countries are also advancing cooperation in the energy sector, including the deployment of U.S. small modular reactor (SMR) technology, the modernization of the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant, the establishment of an artificial intelligence and data center in the Dobruja region, and collaboration on the development of critical mineral resources.

The Romanian president also highlighted the importance of transport and energy infrastructure projects. According to Dan, the modernization of the Port of Constanța is expected to transform it into one of the region's principal logistics hubs, capable of playing a significant role in ensuring Black Sea security and supporting Ukraine's future reconstruction. At the same time, Romania continues to promote strategic energy initiatives such as the Vertical Gas Corridor (VGC) and the Neptun Deep offshore natural gas project, aimed at diversifying energy supplies and reducing Europe's dependence on Russian gas.

The president's remarks are consistent with the Romanian government's broader policy of strengthening national defense capabilities. Bucharest has continued to increase defense spending, accelerate the modernization of its armed forces, and procure advanced U.S.-made military equipment, including air defense systems, fighter aircraft, armored vehicles, and other modern weaponry. Romania also supports NATO initiatives to increase defense expenditures among member states and remains committed to reinforcing the Alliance's eastern flank. These priorities were also discussed during the recent Bucharest Nine (B9) Summit, where allied leaders focused on implementing new defense investment commitments and expanding transatlantic defense industrial cooperation.

 

Analysts note that Romania's current foreign and security policy reflects its ambition to consolidate its position as one of the United States' and NATO's key allies in the Black Sea region. Against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and continued tensions between Russia and the West, Bucharest is seeking to leverage its geographical position by expanding military infrastructure, enhancing logistical capabilities, and deepening cooperation with Washington. At the same time, joint energy and technology projects are expected to strengthen not only Romania's national security but also its long-term economic resilience, making the strategic partnership with the United States far broader than a traditional defense relationship.

CCBS Expert Group

#ANALYSIS

#ROMANIA

04.07.2026 07:39