News: EU Enlargement to Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkans Is an Investment in Security – Romanian President Nicușor Dan

Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that the enlargement of the European Union to Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkans is not “an act of charity” but an investment in Europe’s long-term security.

Speaking at the high-level conference “Cohesion 2027+: a driver of long-term development, inclusive competitiveness and resilience in Europe” held in Bucharest, he stressed that Europe faces two major challenges: economy and security.

“EU enlargement to Moldova, Ukraine and the Western Balkans is not charity, it is an investment in security. And Romania will support it,” the President said.

He underlined that global competition requires a more consolidated single market and that security concerns are particularly pressing on the eastern flank of the EU.

Dan also emphasized that all candidate countries must meet EU standards, but highlighted Moldova’s strong political will to advance towards membership.

IDD Commentary

The statement of President Dan is strategically important for the Danube–Black Sea region and for Ukraine’s and Moldova’s European path.

This strengthens diplomatic coalitions in Central and Eastern Europe, supports reforms and accelerates integration processes of Moldova and Ukraine.

For the EU, integrating Moldova and Ukraine means stabilizing the eastern flank, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerabilities to external threats.

In the context of the 2026–2027 EUSDR priorities, Romania’s and Bulgaria’s active leadership may unlock additional investment, infrastructure modernisation and cross-border cooperation.

This message reinforces Ukraine’s argument that its accession is key to European stability and economic integration.