Romania will remain a staunch ally in NATO while focusing on defense investments, newly-elected president Nicușor Dan said after a call with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.

“Romania will continue to be a staunch ally. At the same time, we count on @NATO to deliver ironclad security for Romania. We will focus on defense investments to strengthen the transatlantic bond, which is vital for both Romania and the Alliance,” Dan said in a message shared on X.

Just spoke with @SecGenNATO. I assured him that Romania will continue to be a staunch Ally. At the same time, we count on @NATO to deliver ironclad security for Romania. We will focus on defense investments to strengthen the transatlantic bond which is vital for both Romania and…

— Nicușor Dan (@NicusorDanRO) May 19, 2025

In his turn, Rutte pointed to the work ahead “to ensure our shared security through a strong NATO.” 

Just had a call with @NicusorDanRO to congratulate him on his election win. We have important work ahead to ensure our shared security through a strong NATO. Looking forward to working together, including in the run up to the #NATOSummit in The Hague!

— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) May 19, 2025

The two had a call following Dan’s presidential win as Rutte added to a list of European leaders who congratulated the Bucharest mayor since the results were announced in the early hours of May 19.

Dan gathered 53.60% of the votes in the second round, defeating ultranationalist leader George Simion, the leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), who received 46.40%.

(Photo: Dreamstock/ Dreamstime)

simona@romania-insider.com