Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan warns that the relationship between Europe and the United States is essential for global stability. In an interview with the French publication Le Figaro, he discusses security, economy, and Romania’s internal challenges.
The Head of the Executive supports a more integrated European Union, as well as rapid reforms to reduce the deficit and change the economic model.
"A rupture between the EU and America would be a catastrophe"
Ilie Bolojan states that the partnership between Europe and the USA cannot be replaced, and a political separation would have serious consequences.
"The United States can make decisions they consider legitimate regarding their policy in a region of the world. But for us, joining NATO has been a very important element, and the United States have been and continue to be a major shield for Europe, especially for Eastern Europe. We believe that the American presence within NATO remains crucial. The United States also need the European Union. It is hard for me to imagine the Western world without the United States/Europe duo, even though there are sometimes different ways of thinking," the Prime Minister stated.
He emphasized the stakes clearly. "I believe that a political rupture between the EU and America would be a catastrophe for the entire Western world," the Prime Minister pointed out.
Bolojan also recalled that joining NATO was a choice of the member states. "We must not forget that each country that joined NATO wanted this, and no one forced us," the Prime Minister said.
A more integrated Europe
In the European context, Bolojan advocates for a more efficient and economically united Union.
"The European Union can remain competitive in the coming years only if we stay together and consolidate. In the global competition, without a significant economic mass, more isolated countries will no longer be competitive. I am for a more economically integrated Europe, without barriers, where decisions are made more quickly. I do not believe that unanimous voting should be maintained," Ilie Bolojan told Le Figaro journalists.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the security context in the region, marked by the war in Ukraine.
"Due to Russian attacks, every European country has lost some confidence in the predictability of Russia's actions. For us, it is important for the eastern border of the European Union to be secure. And for us, throughout history, many threats have come from the east."
Challenging governance
The Prime Minister describes the internal situation, characterized by a fragmented Parliament and a broad coalition.
"After the 2024 elections, we had a very politically fragmented Parliament: no party has more than 25%. Therefore, we govern with a coalition of four parties, from left to right. It is not easy to manage this coalition, and maintaining governmental stability has also been a priority. With a certain political wisdom, we have managed to maintain this stability," the Prime Minister stated.
He explained that the priority was to reduce the deficit: "When I became Prime Minister, Romania's deficit was 9.3%, and reducing this deficit was a priority for me."
For this year, the target is clear: "It is not easy, but we have no choice."
Changing the economic model
Bolojan says that the Government had to act quickly and adopt tough measures. "Some aimed at increasing budget revenues, while others aimed at reducing certain state expenditures," the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister also wants a change in the economic direction: "Therefore, we want to move from a growth model based mainly on consumption to a model based more on production."
10 billion euros from European funds
The Government strongly relies on European funds in 2026. "Approximately 10 billion euros. However, Romania needs to make certain reforms to receive all these funds, and we also need to co-finance the projects," Bolojan said.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that Romania is trying to capitalize on competitive sectors, such as IT and agriculture, as well as its energy advantages.