Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in the U.S. elections opens a period of increased uncertainty in global politics as Trump himself said he would be “unpredictable”. Thus, Romania and most of Europe eagerly await to see what Trump’s foreign policy will look like. The leaders who have congratulated him for his victory in the elections have also emphasized the importance of the U.S. international commitments and alliances.

“We face a challenging new security environment, including hybrid warfare, cyber-attacks, the threat of terrorism. U.S. leadership is as important as ever. Our Alliance has brought together America’s closest friends in times of peace and of conflict for almost 70 years. A strong NATO is good for the United States, and good for Europe,” said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

“NATO has responded with determination to the new security situation. But we have more work to do. And I look forward to meeting Mr. Trump soon, and welcoming him to Brussels for the NATO Summit next year to discuss the way forward,” he added.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis also congratulated Trump for his victory and emphasized that Romania is determined to continue and strengthen the strategic partnership it has with the U.S..

Meanwhile, Donald Trump said in his victory speech that “we will deal fairly with everyone”. “We will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us,” he added.

U.S. allies in Europe are unsettled by Trump’s declared admiration for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. During his campaign, Trump stated that he believed he would get along very well with Putin. In fact, Putin was among the first important world leaders to congratulate Trump for his victory. Putin expressed his hope that the two sides will work together to restore the relations between the U.S. and Russia, which are currently in crisis, and to solve important global security issues.

U.S.-led NATO and Russia have been building up forces in Eastern Europe in recent years, after Russia occupied Crimea in March 2014. The relations between the two sides have been tense lately. Should the U.S. decide to switch to a more neutral stance in international politics, this would clear the way for Russia to increase its influence in Eastern Europe, which would also greatly impact Romania.

editor@romania-insider.com