Nicușor Dan, the new president of Romania, is at the center of a true political „love triangle” at the European level.
Pan-European parties close to French President Emmanuel Macron (Renew Europe) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (EPP) are vying to attract him to their camp, writes Politico on Wednesday.
Independent, without his own political party, Dan does not have an automatic "home" in the European political landscape, unlike other leaders who clearly align with European political families. The choice he will make is important, not only symbolically but also practically - influencing the dynamics of meetings in Brussels, where political families consult before EU summits and devise common strategies.
Nicușor Dan's presence at this month's European Council was awaited by both sides. Although he had been invited to preparatory meetings of Renew and EPP, he ultimately chose not to participate in either.
"He initially said he would take part in both meetings, but later decided not to attend any, considering it would not be polite to jump from one side to the other, especially as sensitive issues were being discussed," an unnamed spokesperson for the president told Politico. "He is carefully analyzing his decision and will decide by the next summit which meeting he will attend."
Both Renew and EPP believe they have real chances to convince him.
A Renew official argued that Nicușor Dan should keep his distance from Romanian conservatives, often associated with corruption: "Dan campaigned on the theme of anti-corruption. It wouldn't look good for him to join Romanian conservatives, those accused at home of nepotism," the official said. "Our Romanian MEPs [from Renew] are making serious efforts to convince him."
On the other hand, EPP seems optimistic, considering that Dan's orientation, especially on economic and fiscal issues, is right-wing. His support for strict budgetary measures, in the context of Romania's deficit, brings him closer to EPP. In fact, Dan nominated Ilie Bolojan, leader of the PNL party affiliated with EPP, as prime minister.
Essentially, Nicușor Dan is seen by Politico as an important trophy for the pro-European center, especially after defeating a populist far-right opponent in the elections.
His choice will matter not only for Romania but also for the balance of power in Brussels.