Ion ȘTEFANOVICI: “I said in 2024 and I repeat in 2025: We must no longer accept the subordination of Eastern Europe in relation to Western Europe! Macron‘s attitude towards Eastern Europe is unforgivable!”

Romania and European Security: Absence from the Decision-Making Table or Diplomatic Strategy?

Recent European initiatives regarding continental security raise serious questions about Romania’s position in this geopolitical landscape.

The invitation extended by Emmanuel Macron to the “main European countries” to discuss the future of European security, excluding Romania and Eastern European countries, must be analyzed in depth.

Discreet Diplomacy or Marginalization?

The Presidential Administration has stated that Romania was not excluded, but rather, “it is not necessarily necessary to be present at this stage, but rather to have a substantial attitude.” However, in diplomacy, presence matters. If Romania is not present at these negotiations, how can it influence strategic decisions that directly affect its security and economic future?

The new initiative by President Macron, which excludes Eastern Europe from decisions regarding the future of European security, highlights a deep issue: Europe is once again divided between a Western decision-making core and an Eastern flank considered only a buffer zone.

1. Romania is not perceived as an essential actor in the European security architecture, despite its strategic position on the border with the conflict in Ukraine and the commitments made within NATO and the EU.
2. Regional alliances are forming without Romania, which could lead to weak representation of our interests in future foreign policy and security decisions.
3. The lack of a strong diplomatic lobby in major European capitals and in the U.S. could explain Romania’s absence from these discussions.
4. Eastern Europe is treated as a secondary bloc, without a voice of its own in major European decisions, highlighting the need for an independent strategy for the region.

Regional Economic Forum Moldova: An Opportunity to Redefine Romania’s Role

At the opening of the 18th edition of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova, held at the Museum Center Cazinoul Băilor in Vatra Dornei between July 4 and 6, 2024, Ion Ștefanovici, president of CAPDR, delivered a strong message of unity and revitalization of Eastern Europe within the European Union.

Ion ȘTEFANOVICI: “Even since last year, 2024, I started articulating this message of Eastern Europe during the works of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova in Vatra Dornei. I realized a bit earlier that this situation would occur. Romania must remain firm in its position in building its role in the new European and even global context.”

The 2024 edition showed a major interest in international collaboration – delegations from Moldova, Ukraine, Poland, and the Western Balkans were well represented, strengthening regional dialogue and promoting joint initiatives for economic and strategic development.

In his speech, Ion Ștefanovici emphasized the importance of investment, health, and tourism topics, discussed in the three simultaneous panels organized at the Palatul Dornelor. He also reaffirmed that Eastern Europe must move away from the position of a subordinate region to Western Europe and claim its place as an independent economic and geopolitical actor.

Romania Must Define Its Future in the New European and Global Power Balance

The new geopolitical reality forces us to act strategically. Eastern Europe cannot remain a passive zone, and Romania must take on the role of a catalyst for a new active regional bloc capable of promoting its own interests in the face of the major European powers’ decisions.

The 2025 Regional Economic Forum Moldova will be an important step in consolidating this vision and reaffirming Romania’s role in the European decision-making architecture.

It is time for Romania to take on a leadership role in Eastern Europe and regain its place at the European decision-making table!