Romania elects Nicușor Dan: What his victory means for Europe and Ukraine

The international analytical community Resurgam explains what Nicușor Dan's victory in elections might mean outside of Romania.

Dan’s clear lead avoided post-election unrest. Simion, who had hinted at challenging the results, conceded and urged his supporters not to protest. “Realizing the impossibility of canceling the elections, Simion finally admitted his own defeat,” the analysis notes.

Key impacts of the result

1. Pro-European path continues
Dan supports close ties with the EU and Ukraine. Romania is a key logistics hub for Ukraine, and Dan’s win ensures this support remains steady.

2. Blow to Moscow’s influence
Dan was heavily targeted by Russian disinformation during the campaign. “An incredible amount of dirt was poured on Dan from Moscow's networks,” the report says. His win is seen as a setback for Kremlin efforts to sway Romanian politics.

3. Setback for Orban
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán backed Simion, hoping to gain an ally in blocking EU decisions. But the Hungarian diaspora in Romania voted overwhelmingly for Dan — 75% to 90%. “Orban himself received significant criticism from his nationalist electorate,” the report states.

4. Gazprom’s energy deal falls apart
Moscow had hoped Simion would ease a takeover of Romania’s largest gas distributor, E.ON Romania, by a Hungarian state-owned company linked to Gazprom. Dan’s win likely kills that plan.

5. Quiet alliance with social democrats
Although Dan’s party traditionally opposes the Social Democrats, both sides reportedly cooperated to stop Simion. “The commissions and party structures of the Social Democrats worked for Dan, at least partially, behind the scenes,” the report suggests. This could lead to informal parliamentary support for Dan going forward.

Dan’s journey from activist to president marks a shift in Romanian politics. Known for being outspoken and willing to challenge the establishment, he now faces the challenge of uniting a country while keeping Romania on its European path.