This article discusses the recent first round of Romania’s presidential election, where hard-right nationalist George Simion secured around 40% of the votes, alarming EU and NATO allies. Simion, who leads the AUR party and has a controversial past, will face Nicușor Dan in the May 18 run-off after Dan received 20.9% of the vote. Meanwhile, the EU’s trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is calling for more staff and streamlined processes to expedite trade negotiations with various countries, amidst a backdrop of heightened global trade tensions.
