Romania Has a Message to America: We’re Ready to Step Up
Why does Romania remain one of America’s most steadfast friends in Europe, and what does it believe President Donald Trump has gotten right about NATO?
Romanian national security adviser Marius-Gabriel Lazurca joins the Daily Signal in Washington, D.C., to discuss the U.S.-Romania relationship, NATO, Russia’s war against Ukraine, energy security, and the enduring bond between Romanians and Americans.
Lazurca argues that Trump was right to push European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense. He explains why Romania is prepared to do more, including strengthening its defense capabilities and deepening economic and energy cooperation with the United States.
He also shares the remarkable history behind Romania’s affinity for America. During the communist era, Lazurca says, anti-communist resistance fighters held onto the hope that “the Americans were coming” and that the United States would one day help Romania regain its freedom.
The conversation also covers Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the threat facing Moldova, Romania’s role on NATO’s eastern flank, and why Lazurca says his country is “open for business” and eager to expand its partnership with the United States.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction & Romania’s view on national security
00:46 - Purpose of the Washington, D.C. visit
01:47 - Expanding US-Romania economic & energy ties
04:20 - Shared values & conservative alignment
06:35 - Working with the Trump administration
08:12 - NATO defense spending & burden sharing
10:41 - Romania’s role on NATO’s eastern flank
15:00 - Bilateral cooperation & military operations
17:46 - Romania’s history & anti-communist roots
20:06 - Russia-Ukraine war & Black Sea security
22:04 - Trump’s peace initiatives & lasting peace
24:26 - Russian tactics & Moldova's vulnerability
26:00 - Energy independence: Neptune Deep & drilling
27:50 - Closing remarks
FAQ
What does Romania think President Trump got right about NATO?
Lazurca says Trump was right to insist that European countries take greater responsibility for their own security. He argues that a stronger European pillar within NATO can reinforce the transatlantic alliance.
Why is Romania so pro-American?
Lazurca traces those attitudes in part to Romania’s experience under communism. He recounts how anti-communist resistance fighters maintained hope that America would ultimately help Romania regain its freedom.
How does Romania view Russia and the war in Ukraine?
Romania shares a border with Ukraine and views Russia’s aggression as a serious security concern. Lazurca says Romania supports efforts to end the war but stresses the importance of a just and lasting peace.
What role does Romania play in NATO?
Lazurca describes Romania as committed to taking greater responsibility for European security, strengthening its defenses and supporting the transatlantic alliance from NATO’s eastern flank.
Why does energy matter to the U.S.-Romania relationship?
Romania wants deeper U.S. cooperation in strategic sectors, including energy. Lazurca highlights the Neptune Deep Black Sea gas project as important to helping Romania and Europe diversify away from Russian gas.
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