Nicușor Dan returns to Jurata for Eastern European security summit as Bucharest deadlock persists

Summit agenda and participants

Polish President Karol Nawrocki hosts the gathering in the seaside town of Jurata on Saturday at 19:30 local time. The presidents of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Alar Karis, Edgars Rinkēvičs and Gitanas Nausėda, join Nicușor Dan to address European security threats from Russia’s war against Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and accelerating geopolitical change. The Romanian Presidential Administration stated that the meeting will also cover the future of the European Union and the need for policies that support competitiveness, development, and member-state security.

“During the meeting, aspects related to the future of the European Union will also be debated, which must efficiently adapt its policies to keep pace with global challenges and developments, thus supporting the competitiveness, development and security of its member states.”

Romania’s domestic backdrop

The trip is Nicușor Dan’s second to Poland this week. On Thursday he attended the Eastern Flank Summit in Gdansk. He then returned to Bucharest on Friday for negotiations with former coalition leaders aimed at naming a prime minister, but the talks ended without a breakthrough, prolonging the political stalemate. The president now resumes his Polish schedule as the domestic stand-off continues.

NATO’s eastern flank and deterrence

Nicușor Dan is expected to press for stronger deterrence and defence on NATO’s eastern border. He will stress the need to reinforce military capabilities, counter hybrid and cyber threats, and upgrade dual-use infrastructure and energy security. The Romanian Presidency signalled this focus ahead of the meeting.

“The President of Romania will emphasise the need to consolidate deterrence and defence on NATO’s Eastern Flank, both from a military perspective and by combating hybrid and cyber threats, as well as through the improvement of dual‑use infrastructure and energy security.”

EU unity and the global order

The leaders are set to discuss how the EU can adapt its policies to remain globally competitive while protecting member states. Dan will reaffirm Romania’s commitment to allied unity inside NATO and the EU and will underline the importance of a cohesive European response to current challenges. The next meeting of the Eastern Flank format is scheduled to take place in Romania in early 2027.

Timeline of the diplomatic shuttle