Dan Neculăescu, favorably endorsed for the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. What he says about hybrid threats and relations with the USA

Dan Neculăescu, nominated for the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on Tuesday, during hearings in Parliament, that Romania must adapt to changes in United States policy and analyze the situation of the Visa Waiver program. He emphasized that relations with Washington and the security of the Black Sea region would be priorities of his mandate. The independent, who is currently Romania’s permanent representative to NATO, received a positive endorsement for the MFA.

Neculăescu said that “the paradigm has changed in the US,” and that Romania must be more resourceful and come up with its own initiatives, particularly in the areas of security, energy, and artificial intelligence. He advocated strengthening the strategic partnership with the United States and expanding the allied presence in Romania.

“We too must be more innovative and more resourceful,” Neculăescu said, adding that the situation of the Visa Waiver program must also be analyzed.

Regarding the war launched by Russia, the minister-designate called for keeping the Black Sea on the agenda of NATO and the European Union and for the rapid operationalization of the European hub for regional security. He also advocated a collective response to hybrid threats on the eastern flank.

“I will insist on a collective response, so that all hybrid threats on the eastern flank and from the EU are addressed collectively,” Neculăescu stated, according to Antena 3.

Among the announced priorities are supporting the European path of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, strengthening economic diplomacy, and opening a direct dialogue with representatives of the Romanian community in Ukraine. Neculăescu said that Romania would continue to support Ukraine, but would also defend its own interests.

He also announced an analysis of the “geometry of the diaspora” in order to open new consulates and argued that Romania’s embassies must receive clearer economic guidance. The enlargement of the European Union and Romania’s accession to the OECD were also included among the strategic objectives presented in Parliament.