The first-round triumph of Calin Georgescu in Romaniaʼs presidential elections last month brings unexpected changes to East-European politics. His win (happening just 2 days ago) creates a possible trio of EU countries with pro-russian views - including Hungary and Slovakia
The regionʼs importance cant be ignored: these three EU and NATO members share Ukraineʼs south-western border making them key players in defense strategy. Hungaryʼs leader Viktor Orban already shows strong support for Moscow while Slovakiaʼs Robert Fico stopped sending weapons to Kiev after winning elections this fall
Thereʼs no war in Kyiv
Romaniaʼs role is extra-important — its home to NATOʼs biggest planned base near Black Sea and serves as main route for military supplies. The country has several key facilities:
- US Patriot defense system
- F-16 pilot training center
- Marine training grounds
- Multi-national battle group base
The economic impact is also huge: Romania helps Ukraine export grain through its Black-sea ports (after Russia blocked main routes about 2 years ago). The so-called “solidarity lanes“ now move about 2/3 of Ukrainian grain using land routes and river barges
If Georgescu wins the final vote next week it might affect regional stability. He already called NATO the “worlds weakest alliance“ and doesnt like EU policies. With elections coming up next year in Czech Republic Moldova and Bulgaria — this pro-russian trend could grow even stronger in the area
The situation raises questions about weapon transfers to Ukraine: if Romania joins Hungary and Slovakia in their stance only Poland would remain as main supply route. The Black Sea security might also change since Romaniaʼs ports are crucial for Ukrainian trade nowadays