International leaders react to Nicușor Dan’s win in Romanian presidential elections

Nicușor Dan's victory in the Romanian presidential elections on May 18 sparked a wave of reactions from international political leaders. Their messages emphasize strong support for Romania's ongoing commitment to democracy and its European integration, as well as the strengthening of strategic partnerships.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Nicușor Dan on his election victory. She wrote that “the Romanian people have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe.”
“The Romanian people have turned out massively to the polls. They chose the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe. Together, let us deliver on this promise. We look forward to working with you,” Ursula von der Leyen wrote.
My warmest congratulations to @NicusorDanRO on his victory tonight!
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 18, 2025
The Romanian people have turned out massively to the polls.
They have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe.
Together let’s deliver on that promise.
Looking forward to working…
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he had personally called Nicușor Dan to congratulate him.
"Despite numerous attempts at manipulation, the Romanian people have chosen democracy, the rule of law, and the European Union. France will stand with you to strengthen our partnership and work together for a stronger, more sovereign, and more independent Europe."
L-am sunat pe @NicusorDanRO și l-am felicitat pentru alegerea sa în fruntea României.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 18, 2025
În pofida numeroaselor încercări de manipulare, românii au ales în această seară democrația, statul de drept și Uniunea Europeană.
Franţa va fi alături…
In a post published shortly after the results were announced, Moldovan President Maia Sandu highlighted the close ties between Chisinau and Bucharest and expressed gratitude to the Moldovan citizens with dual citizenship who participated in the election.
“Together we will strengthen the strong bridges between the two banks of the Prut – and we will defend the European path, peace and democracy. We move forward, with confidence and hope!”, the President said in her congratulatory message to Nicușor Dan.
Felicitări, @NicusorDanRO, pentru victoria în alegerile prezidențiale! Împreună vom consolida punțile trainice dintre cele două maluri ale Prutului – și vom apăra calea europeană, pacea și democrația.
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) May 18, 2025
Mergem înainte, cu încredere și speranță!
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also sent a message welcoming the result of the presidential elections in Romania, calling Nicușor Dan's victory "historic".
"For Ukraine - as a neighbour and friend - it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner. And we are confident, we will. By working together, we can strengthen both our countries and our Europe. We will always respect Romania and its people, especially considering the support we received during our most difficult period."
Zelensky added that Romania stood by Ukraine in the most challenging moments and that the future of bilateral cooperation will bring more stability and prosperity to the region.
Congratulations to @NicusorDanRO on his historic victory in Romania’s presidential elections.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 18, 2025
For Ukraine—as a neighbour and friend—it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner. And we are confident we will. By working together, we can strengthen both our countries and…
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted a short and symbolic message in three languages – Romanian, English and Polish – congratulating Nicușor Dan:
“Congratulations, @NicusorDanRO! Long live free Romania!”.
Felicitari @NicusorDanRO! Traiasca Romania libera!
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) May 18, 2025
Congratulations @NicusorDanRO! Long live free Romania!
Gratulacje @NicusorDanRO! Niech żyje wolna Rumunia!
Nicușor-Daniel Dan won the presidential elections in Romania, having received 53.60% of the valid votes cast, as reported in the final data after the centralization of all 20,085 minutes.
He garnered 6,168,696 votes, surpassing his opponent, George-Nicolae Simion, by over 829,000 votes. Simion received 5,338,999 votes, which amounts to 46.4%.