Round Table on EU Democracy: Romania’s Presidential Elections

We are pleased to welcome Professor Dr Melania-Gabriela Ciot (Universitatea Babes-Bolya) to the first Round Table on European Democracy 2025. She will discuss with all participants the topic “Romania’s Presidential Elections: Russian Influence, Democratic Resilience, and a Pro-EU Winner” at HK14b room 002 or online on 3 June 2025 at 6.00 pm.

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 3 June 2025 at 6.00 pm.

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

Online or Universität Passau, Dr.-Hans-Kapfinger-Str. 14b, 94032 Passau, Raum (HK 14b) SR 002

Registration

For in-person registration, please send an e-mail to: julian.plottka@iep-berlin.de.

For online registration, please use the following link: uni-passau.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G-grmHVHQNGnrF2PzQw20g