Mykola-Myroslav Petretskyi on Romania’s presidential election results

The new pro-European Union president-elect Nicușor Dan overcame far-right candidate George Simion in the second round of elections held on May 18. The centrist, pro-Ukrainian mayor of Bucharest garnered approximately 54 percent of the vote, while Simion received 46.4 percent.

Dan’s victory is seen as a turning point after months of political upheaval, which included the cancellation of an earlier vote and the disqualification of another far-right candidate from the race.

Known for his consistent support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Dan’s election signals Romania’s continued commitment to a pro-European and pro-Western path.

Mykola-Myroslav Petretskyi, Head of the Union of Ukrainians of Romania (UUR) and UWC Vice President for Eastern Europe, explains why this is an important signal for Ukraine, indicating the continuation of a reliable partnership with its neighboring country.

Source: Petretskyi on Facebook

Romania continues to strengthen its place in the European and Euro-Atlantic space, and for us, the Ukrainians of Romania, it is an honour to contribute to building a European future for our country.

We congratulate the newly elected president, Nicușor Dan, whose strong commitment to European democratic values and human rights shows he clearly understands our expectations as part of Romanian society. He recognises the importance of strengthening national cohesion, stability, and Romania’s security.

I hope the new president will reinforce Romania’s membership in the European Union, strengthen its position within the world’s most powerful political and military alliance, and deepen the country’s strategic partnerships. I believe he will support Euro-Atlantic unity and help build bridges for much-needed reconciliation between European nations. In today’s turbulent geopolitical climate, Romania needs to be stronger, more stable, and more predictable — and I trust he will deliver that.

Romania must remain committed to laying the foundation for elevating its relationship with Ukraine to the level of a strategic partnership. It should continue supporting Ukraine’s efforts to achieve a just peace in its defensive war — a peace that protects our shared borders from Russian threats. This approach will not only deepen ties with neighbouring countries but also enhance security and stability across the broader Black Sea region.

The European triangle formed by Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, represented respectively by Nicușor Dan, Maia Sandu, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has the potential to advance European and Euro-Atlantic values in the region — such as the rule of law, democracy, human rights, transparency, equality, and solidarity.

Ukraine and Moldova will have in Romania a more reliable, principled, and strong friend and partner.

Romania now needs an assertive and proactive foreign policy, firmly anchored in its strategic goals: deepening EU membership and its partnership with the United States. At the same time, we expect real meritocratic standards to be applied in selecting and promoting professionals — especially in foreign policy. This is essential for restoring public trust.

The Ukrainian community of Romania has shown remarkable resilience and unity, particularly during the elections, when the enemies of a European Romania resorted to low-level provocations and manipulations — including attacks against the UUR and our broader community — in an attempt to sow discord and confusion. The UUR stood firm, made the right choice, and acted with integrity, fully aligned with its European values.

I am confident that under a president who understands the strategic role of national minorities in a modern European democracy, we will continue to enjoy the highest level of rights and freedoms.

I clearly heard Mr Nicușor Dan’s repeated message to Romania’s national minorities: continue to actively engage in the political life of the country. The voice of national minorities must remain strong and influential at the national level.

However, change must also come from the UUR’s partners. These elections — and the victory of Nicușor Dan — sent a clear signal: politicians must reconnect with the people, listen to them, and genuinely represent them. There is no other way forward.

The new president has already outlined a new vision for Romania’s development: the country needs deep ethical and political reform. The UUR will support this vision responsibly, honestly, and consistently — just as we supported Nicușor Dan’s candidacy.

What Romania needs now are more honest and responsible politicians. The system of political advancement must be based on merit and results. In critical moments, the country requires consistency and moral clarity — not silent “neutrality” that masks inaction and later simply echoes the victors.

There are many urgent tasks ahead: rebuilding unity, strengthening cohesion, building bridges between communities, and launching a real, effective national dialogue to heal the wounds left by a long electoral cycle. The UUR will fully support this dialogue and take an active role in shaping it.

Together, we will move Romania forward. Romania can once again become a European success story!