Nicușor Dan Received at the Élysée: France and Romania Strengthen Their Strategic Partnership

Romanian President Nicușor Dan was welcomed on Tuesday at the Élysée Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron, during an official visit focused on security, defense industry cooperation, and the deepening of economic ties between the two countries.

Although the working lunch preceding the meeting was entirely off the record, the arrival ceremony — Republican Guard and formal greeting in the courtyard of the Élysée — was open to cameras. This confidentiality explains why no detailed information appeared in French media. Additional details were later provided by President Dan himself during a briefing with Romanian journalists at the Romanian Embassy in Paris.

“Not an ordinary bilateral relationship”

Speaking to Romanian media in Paris, President Dan highlighted the depth of the Franco–Romanian partnership:

“Relations between Romania and France are not normal bilateral relations. We have a long history and a very solid future. The discussions were extremely cordial.”

He stressed that France remains a key pillar of Romania’s security, including through the deployment of French troops in Romania under NATO’s eastern flank reinforcement.

Defense Industry and the SAFE Program

A central topic of the talks was the European SAFE program (Security and Future of Europe), aimed at boosting defense production capabilities within the EU.

Dan outlined Romania’s strategic objective:

“We want the investments brought by the SAFE program to become permanent — not only to meet the needs of the Romanian Army, but also to develop companies capable of exporting and remaining viable in the long term.”

Romania’s goal is clear:
to move from buyer of military equipment to co-producer, with France as a key partner.

This includes:

• France’s participation in Romanian defense projects,

• joint production ventures,

• technology transfers,

• and long-term industrial capacity building.

Black Sea Security, Ukraine and “Hybrid Warfare”

The two presidents also focused intensely on:

• security in the Black Sea,

• strengthening NATO’s eastern flank,

• support for Ukraine,

• and the growing challenge of disinformation, described as a core component of modern hybrid warfare.

Dan emphasized:

“We exchanged experiences regarding disinformation. It is a challenge for all of us, and we agreed that we can learn from each other.”

Territorial Security and Drone Incursions

Asked by Antena 3 CNN about Romania’s ability to intercept Russian drones that have previously violated Romanian airspace, the president responded clearly:

“I hope they will not come again, but if they do, you will see. Yes, Romania is prepared and will no longer allow such violations.”

A firm message reflecting Romania’s strengthened defense posture.

French Investments: Energy, Economy, Long-Term Vision

According to President Dan, Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that French investments in Romania are strategic and long-term, not speculative.

A key topic discussed was a potential French investment in the Tarnița energy project, a major infrastructure initiative for Romania’s energy transition.

During his stay, the president also met with:

• representatives of Medef,

• the mayor of Paris,

• and attended a cultural event marking the naming of a Parisian street after a Romanian figure — a sign of Romania’s strong cultural presence in France.

Europe, Geopolitics and the AUR Question

When asked about the new U.S. National Security Strategy describing Europe as a “continent in decline,” Dan contextualized the comment within global politics and called for:

“a European mobilisation to guarantee our security, with an internal ideological debate, but also with shared interests and values that will continue to strengthen the transatlantic link.”

He also offered a nuanced perspective on Romania’s nationalist AUR party:

“Many of its voters are motivated by frustration with how politics and administration have been run in Romania. The party will have to evolve, as it includes anti-European and pro-Russian elements.”

Macron Invited to Romania in 2026

Dan concluded by announcing that he had invited President Macron for an official visit to Romania in 2026, and that Macron accepted.

This signals a new phase of political and diplomatic consolidation between Paris and Bucharest.

President Nicușor Dan’s visit to Paris marks an important step for Romania:

• reinforcement of the military partnership with France,

• development of Romania’s defense industry,

• deeper cooperation in energy and economic projects,

• increased coordination against disinformation and hybrid threats,

• confirmation of long-term political dialogue between the two leaders.

At a moment of significant geopolitical tension in Europe, the Paris–Bucharest axis positions itself as a strategic anchor on NATO’s eastern flank.

©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

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