„Red, Gold, and Blue: Romania’s Struggle for Its Political Soul”

The Danube Institute invites you to a timely and searching discussion on the deeper implications of Romania’s recent presidential election - an event that has revealed far more than a simple contest between candidates.

With the election of Nicușor Dan over nationalist contender George Simion, Romania has chosen a pro-European, reform-oriented path. But beneath this outcome lie profound tensions - economic discontent, political fragmentation, and a society increasingly divided over its identity and its future. These undercurrents reflect broader shifts occurring across Central and Eastern Europe: the growing strain between technocratic governance and populist energy, the clash between Brussels and the nation-state, and the uncertain role of EU peripheral states in a world edging toward multipolarity.

In this panel, we will examine:

• The ideological contest that defined the election
• Romania’s new posture in EU and NATO affairs
• The broader regional implications for Central and Eastern Europe
• What this means for Western political assumptions in a post-liberal, post-hegemonic age

Featured Participants:

Eric Hendrics, Sociologist, Visiting Fellow, Danube Institute
Stefano Arroque, Visiting Fellow, Danube Institute

Moderator:
László Enyedi, International Relations Expert, Danube Institute

Details:
Date and time: June 3, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Lónyay-Hatvany Villa, 1 Csónak Street, 1015 Budapest
(Entrance: Aranybástya Restaurant)
Language: English

Participation is free; however, due to limited seating, pre-registration is required by clicking the button below.

We reserve the right to modify the program.