Romanian PM Ilie Bolojan Warns EU-US Split Would Be a Catastrophe for the West

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan warned in an interview published Tuesday by the French daily Le Figaro that a political rupture between the European Union and the United States would be "a catastrophe for the West," urging both sides to preserve their strategic partnership despite current tensions. Bolojan, who took office in June 2025, used the interview to address concerns about American commitment to European security, Romania's fiscal consolidation efforts, and his vision for a more deeply integrated European Union. The interview was published against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, which have sharpened debate across Europe about the reliability of American security guarantees.

„The United States was and continues to be a major shield for Europe, especially for Eastern Europe. We consider that the American presence within NATO remains crucial. The United States also needs the European Union. It is difficult for me to imagine the Western world without the partnership between the United States and Europe, even if there are sometimes different ways of thinking.” — Ilie Bolojan via Le Figaro

Romania joined NATO in 2004, a step Bolojan described as "a very important moment" that brought security and investment to the country. The Russia-Ukraine war, which entered its second major phase in 2022, has placed Romania's eastern border under heightened strategic scrutiny. The country hosts NATO military bases, including those led by American and French troops, and has been increasing its defense budget in coordination with the European defense industry.

Bolojan calls for scrapping EU unanimity vote On European institutional reform, Bolojan took a clear position against the unanimity vote within EU decision-making bodies, arguing that the bloc can only remain competitive if it acts faster and with greater economic cohesion. He did not name any specific country, but the article published by G4Media noted that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has been the most prominent user of the veto to block EU measures, including aid for Ukraine. Bolojan stated he supports "a more economically integrated Europe, without barriers, in which decisions are made faster." He also addressed the reduction of American troops stationed in Romania, framing it as part of a broader European responsibility-sharing arrangement rather than an abandonment. „We understand at the same time that the Americans are asking Europeans to assume a larger part of the responsibility for defense, and we have increased the defense budget through collaboration with the European defense industry, including the French industry.” — Ilie Bolojan via Le Figaro The prime minister also praised France's commitment to defending NATO's eastern flank, describing France as "one of Romania's main partners" and "the third investor in the country, with over 10,000 companies present here."

Deficit inherited at 9.3%, target now 6.2% Bolojan described the economic situation he inherited when taking office as severe, citing a budget deficit of 9.3 (%) — budget deficit Bolojan inherited on taking office and inflation that had reached up to 10 percent, conditions he said fueled "a very strong anti-system vote." The government's stated priority is fiscal consolidation, with the 2025 deficit having been reduced to 7.7 percent and a target of 6.2 percent set for 2026. Bolojan acknowledged the difficulty of the path ahead.

„Last year it was 7.7%. This year we want to reduce it to 6.2%. It is not easy, but we have no choice.” — Ilie Bolojan via Le Figaro

Romania budget deficit trajectory: Budget deficit (before: 9.3% (inherited), after: 7.7% (2025 outturn), target 6.2% (2026))

Among the reforms already enacted, Bolojan highlighted changes to the magistrates' pension system, which previously allowed judges to retire at age 50, as well as cuts to administrative spending and a decentralization drive in public administration. The prime minister framed these steps as part of a structural shift away from a consumption-driven economic model toward one based on production, with a focus on the IT sector, agricultural output, and Romania's energy resources, which he described as among the most significant gas and oil reserves within the EU.

Renault cited as emblem of Franco-Romanian economic ties Bolojan devoted a portion of the interview to the bilateral relationship with France, describing it as rooted in historical depth and current economic substance. He cited Renault as the "emblematic company in Romania" that "contributes the most to the national budget," reflecting the scale of French industrial presence in the country. With over 10,000 French companies operating in Romania, France ranks as the country's third-largest investor. Bolojan also framed the relationship in political terms, expressing hope that France would remain "the politico-economic engine of Europe" ahead of the 2027 EU elections. „Historically, we know very well what France meant at key moments: the foundations of the Romanian state were laid with its support. Without France, the European engine risks seizing up. France and Romania are long-term partners.” — Ilie Bolojan via Le Figaro The interview, published on the Le Figaro website on March 31, 2026, represents one of Bolojan's most prominent appearances in the Western European press since taking office and signals Bucharest's effort to position itself as a constructive voice within the EU at a moment of transatlantic strain.