The Balkan Area and Romania’s Neighborhood as EU Member State

Alexandra PORUMBESCU
Senior Lecturer, PhD., University of Craiova, Faculty of Social Sciences;
E-mail: alexandra.porumbescu@edu.ucv.ro

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4976-6878

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59277/CSNPISSH.2024.10

Copyright (c) 2024.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Published on December 21, 2024

Abstract
Supporting the European and Euro-Atlantic path of the Western Balkan states is one of the major priorities of Romania’s foreign policy. Romania’s status as an EU and NATO member country, as well as its proximity to the Western Balkans, require a special relationship between Bucharest and the states in this region. Romania, situated in the southeastern part of Europe, plays a significant role in the Balkan region due to its historical, geographic, and geopolitical importance. With its diverse cultural heritage and strategic location, Romania serves as a bridge between Central and Southeastern Europe. Historically, Romania has been intertwined with the Balkans, sharing cultural and historical ties with neighboring countries such as Bulgaria, Serbia, and Moldova. These connections have influenced Romania’s political and economic engagements in the Balkan area. Geopolitically, Romania is a member of the European Union (EU) and NATO, serving as a stable and secure partner in the region. It actively participates in regional initiatives and contributes to fostering stability and cooperation in the Balkans. Romania’s support for EU enlargement in the Balkans reflects its commitment to the region’s European integration. Economically, Romania’s strong trade relationships and investment in the Balkans promote economic growth and development, further solidifying its role as a key player in the area. Romania’s involvement in infrastructure projects and energy initiatives bolsters regional connectivity and energy security. In conclusion, Romania’s historical, geographic, and geopolitical attributes make it a pivotal actor in the Balkan region, contributing to regional stability, economic growth, and European integration.

Keywords
Romania, the Balkan area, foreign policy, geopolitical, European Union

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