Romania’s Foreign Policy Under Presidents T.Besescu and C.Johannis: comparative analysis

Abstract

This article analyzes the foreign policy of Romania under Presidents T.Basescu and C.Johannes, both of whom made every effort to bring the country to a new level of development and establish it among the leading actors in the international arena as a stable country ready for cooperation both regionally and global levels. Thus, after T.Basescu came to power in 2004, the President stated that Romania follows three directions in foreign policy: membership in the EU, NATO and strategic partnership with the United States. In general, the president managed to implement this program. After joining the EU, the main national priority was joining the Schengen area. Romania has also begun to actively promote its national interests and regional leadership in Southeast Europe. In turn, according to K.Johannes, Romania’s foreign policy and security also focus on these three main areas. But he also focuses on working with Moldova and the Romanian community abroad. The priority of Romania’s foreign policy remains the priority of NATO and EU membership; relations with the United States, which are strategic in nature. Relations with the Russian Federation remain tense. Considering the key vectors of Romania’s foreign policy during the presidencies of these two completely different figures, we can say that they were mostly similar, although they had their own characteristics.