Romanian leaders honour US Independence Day, hail military ties and defence build-up at embassy gala
President Nicușor Dan and interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan addressed the US Embassy reception in Bucharest, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, with emphatic pledges on collective security, investment, and shared Western values.
The US Embassy in Bucharest hosted a reception under the “Freedom 250” banner, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Ambassador Darryl Nirenberg opened the evening, which brought together Romanian officials, diplomats and business leaders.
A ceremonial tribute to America’s global role
Both leaders used their speeches to reflect on the historical and ongoing weight of the United States. Interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan described the nation’s 250-year arc as one of extraordinary influence.
This great nation, for 250 years, has exerted an overwhelming influence on the world through the power of its economy, its capacity to innovate, the strength of its armed forces — just think of the salvation of Europe, the fall of communism.
He added that those values, individual liberties, democracy and equal opportunity, “have motivated us and continue to motivate us.”
Bolojan’s thanks: military backbone and economic bridges
The interim premier singled out the US military presence in Romania as a linchpin of regional stability.
We owe thanks to the United States and its soldiers because, being present in Romania, being the backbone of NATO in the difficult situation in the region, alongside our own troops and those of other NATO countries, they contribute significantly to Romania’s security and to the safety of our citizens.
Bolojan also thanked US companies for the jobs, technology transfer and opportunities they bring, and hailed Romanian communities in the United States as “a bridge between our countries and a foundation for their development.”
Dan’s vision: Western identity and three pillars
President Nicușor Dan placed Romania’s current alignment in historical context, noting that the country has, since the Union of the Principalities, consciously embraced the same principles that animated America’s Founding Fathers. He pointed to 2027 as a milestone year: 30 years of strategic partnership with the US, 20 years inside the European Union, and 23 years in NATO.
On these three pillars rests the Western identity of today’s Romania — a dedicated, honest and responsible partner that contributes to our common security and prosperity.
Security on the Eastern flank
Turning to the region’s hard realities, Dan warned that Russia’s war against Ukraine directly affects Romanian citizens and places the Black Sea region in the line of fire.
The Eastern flank of NATO and the Black Sea region are in the frontline of Russian threats.
He expressed profound gratitude for US and allied efforts to strengthen defence and deterrence in Romania and confirmed that he will present the country’s efforts to boost military capabilities directly to President Trump at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
Deeper cooperation ahead
Beyond defence, Dan signalled that bilateral work is accelerating to “raise the strategic partnership between Romania and the United States to a superior level,” with OECD accession as a strategic priority that needs Washington’s backing. He closed with a call to unity: “Our most effective common weapon is unity.” Bolojan, meanwhile, stressed that American investments and the military partnership remain essential for Romania’s future.
