President Iohannis’s first steps in foreign policy – how much change, how much continuation?

Klaus Iohannis’s victory in the presidential election in November 2014 has provoked a number of questions about the way he might influence Romanian foreign policy.

Iohannis was an activist representing the interests of the German minority for many years and served as the mayor of Sibiu, a city in Transylvania. In his first public-statements as president he gave assurances that previous policy would be continued. However, a number of new elements were noticed in less than three months of his presidency.

His predecessor, President Traian Basescu, viewed co-operation with the United States as an absolute priority. Meanwhile, President Iohannis, emphasising the importance of the strategic partnership with the USA, already contributed to a revival of contacts with Germany.

The new president upheld support for sanctions imposed on Russia in connection with the conflict in Ukraine but, unlike his predecessor, he avoided using strong rhetoric with regard to Moscow.

Concerning relations with Moldova, Iohannis did not use the unification rhetoric promoted by Basescu.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Romania: a new president, a new era? http://www.europeansources.info/record/romania-a-new-president-a-new-era/

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