After the end of the Cold War, there have been significant transformations in the perception of security in the world. Although there are differences in the security perception of European states, a common approach in foreign policy and security strategies has gained strength with the Russia-Ukraine War, especially with the influence of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
On the other hand, at every opportunity, Russia voices its objection to the unipolar world order and thus to the global leadership of the United States of America (USA). This objection deepens the Russia-West struggle. The war in Ukraine is a reflection of this. However, the West agrees that Russia’s intervention in Ukraine is a violation of the sovereignty and independence of states. Therefore, the actors felt the need to develop various measures against Russia. Romania is one of the leading countries.
In fact, the Kremlin has repeatedly expressed its discontent with NATO’s containment strategy against Russia and its eastward expansion. This is one of the reasons for the war in Ukraine. However, the war has brought with it sanctions targeting the Moscow leadership.
Russia resorted to counter-sanctions and used energy as a trump card. This led to an energy crisis. Therefore, European states have turned to alternative suppliers and sustainable energy sources. In this context, Romania is trying to turn the energy crisis into an opportunity and become one of the most important suppliers in Europe. In this context, the Bucharest administration has signed several agreements with various companies to extract natural gas offshore and transport it to Europe for the years 2026-2042.[1]
In this context, Romania has recently intensified its contacts with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These contacts can be interpreted as Bucharest turning towards Gulf capital for its energy projects. It seems inevitable that this process will cause discomfort in Moscow.
Despite all the discomfort, Romania takes care to stand by Ukraine. As a matter of fact, a program to supply artillery ammunition to Ukraine has recently been launched and Bucharest has been involved in this program.[2]
It is clear that Romania wants to prevent a possible Russian victory. Of course, Bucharest’s approach is also influenced by the Transnistria issue and the tendency of the Moldovan government to unite with Romania. As a matter of fact, Romania has expressed at every opportunity that it will stand by Moldova. For this reason, Moldovan President Maia Sandu thanked the Bucharest administration.[3] It is also possible to interpret this as a struggle for influence between Moscow and Bucharest over Moldova.
Undoubtedly, the issue also has a NATO dimension. In parallel with NATO’s activities in the Black Sea, Romania’s influence in the region is increasing. This does not escape Russia’s attention.
Reflecting these controversies, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova sharply criticized Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu’s remarks that the Moldovan language was created by the Soviet Union and that Russia uses it as a propaganda tool.[4] Therefore, it is foreseeable that tensions between the parties will increase. Another dimension of tension between the parties is information technology. As a matter of fact, Romania, which works in the field of technology, has banned Russian software in the country.[5]
As a result, Romania, which stands out as a critical actor in Europe, which has a monolithic attitude towards Russia, is trying to become an important regional power against Russia by using both military and economic partnerships. As a matter of fact, Bucharest, in addition to its continued support for Kiev, has drawn Russia’s reaction due to its efforts to become an energy supplier, its relations with the Moldovan government, NATO’s increasing presence in the Black Sea and the steps it has taken in terms of technological developments. Therefore, it is foreseeable that the disagreements on the Bucharest-Moscow line will deepen and tensions between the parties will rise.
[1] “OMV Petrom, Neptun Deep Açık Deniz Gazının Taşınması İçin Sözleşme İmzaladı”, Romania Insider, https://www.romania-insider.com/omv-petrom-contract-neptun-deep-gas-transport-2023, (Date of Accession: 17.03.2023).
[2] “Romanya, Ukrayna’ya Topçu Mühimmatı Tedarik Eden Avrupa Programına Katılıyor”, Romania Insider, https://www.romania-insider.com/romania-european-program-artillery-ammunition-ukraine, (Date of Accession: 21.03.2023).
[3] “Başbakan Nicolae Ciuca, Kişinev’e Yaptığı Resmi Ziyarette Romanya’nın Moldova’ya Verdiği Desteği Yineledi”, Romania Insider, https://www.romania-insider.com/romanian-pm-support-moldova-visit-march-2023, (Date of Accession: 23.03.2023).
[4] “Rusya Sözcüsü Romanya Dışişleri Bakanı’na “Moldova Dili” Diyerek Sert Çıkıştı”, Romania Insider, https://www.romania-insider.com/russian-spokesperson-romanian-foreign-minister-moldovan-language, (Date of Accession: 22.03.2023).
[5] “Politika, İş Dünyası Liderleri Bükreş Yuvarlak Masa Toplantısında Silah Haline Getirilmiş Teknoloji ve Dijital Dönüşümü Ele Alıyor”, Romania Insider, https://www.romania-insider.com/policy-business-leaders-weaponized-technology-bucharest-mar-2023, (Date of Accession: 20.03.2023).
