Romania, a member of the European Union and NATO, has undergone a remarkable transformation since the 1989 Revolution. While the country has made significant progress in human rights, democratic institution building, and modernization, this trajectory has not been without disruptions. In recent years, Romania has faced internal systemic vulnerabilities and external threats that have tested the resilience of its democracy. The 2024 presidential elections brought these tensions to light, marred by allegations of foreign interference and aggressive disinformation campaigns.

Press Freedom: Superficial Pluralism and Fragile Independence

Romania boasts an advanced legal framework safeguarding press freedom and freedom of expression. Despite a seemingly diverse media landscape—comprising hundreds of publications, TV stations, and news websites—true independence remains elusive. Media ownership is concentrated among a few economic groups, many with political affiliations or hidden business interests, fostering self-censorship and biased reporting.

At the local level, independent journalism is nearly nonexistent. Investigative journalists face legal threats, intimidation, and violence. A notable example is Emilia Șercan, harassed for exposing plagiarism within political and academic elites. Such cases erode public trust in the media and undermine its role as democracy’s watchdog.

Justice and the Fight Against Corruption: Progress and Setbacks

The National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) has played a central role in judicial reform, bringing numerous officials and business figures to justice. Nevertheless, judicial independence is jeopardized by legislative volatility and political interference. Frequent changes to justice laws—often spearheaded by politicians under investigation—have damaged the credibility of legal institutions. The European Commission has repeatedly stressed the need for durable, transparent, and depoliticized reforms, including stable procedures for appointing key prosecutors. Civil society and academia demand a robust legal framework to preserve judicial independence and enhance the efficiency of anti-corruption efforts.

Minority Rights: Exclusion and Vulnerability

The Roma Community

The Roma population remains among the most marginalized. Access to education, healthcare, and housing is limited, with widespread discrimination in both public and private spheres. National inclusion strategies exist, but implementation is weak. School segregation—especially in rural areas—reinforces generational poverty.

The LGBTQ+ Community

Awareness of LGBTQ+ rights is growing, and civic activism is on the rise. Still, Romania is one of the few EU states without comprehensive legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Legislative efforts such as civil partnerships have been blocked, often accompanied by homophobic rhetoric from influential conservative parties.

Asylum and Migration: Administrative and Social Challenges

Romania has adopted EU asylum legislation and ratified the Geneva Convention. However, its infrastructure remains underdeveloped. Reception centers are overcrowded, and asylum seekers struggle to access legal aid and social services. Refugee integration is hampered by bureaucratic hurdles and public hostility, exacerbated by limited government support.

Civic Space: Engagement vs. Underfunding

Romanian NGOs are among the most active in Eastern Europe, playing a vital role in democratic accountability. Yet, chronic underfunding, complex access to EU funds, and excessive bureaucracy severely restrict their capacity. Reporting requirements, tax burdens on donations, and the lack of a coherent state strategy for NGO support are persistent obstacles.

The 2024 Presidential Elections: Disinformation, Interference, and Democratic Resilience

The November 2024 elections were clouded by credible allegations of foreign interference, particularly from Russia. After Călin Georgescu and Elena Lasconi advanced to the runoff, the Constitutional Court annulled the results, citing electoral manipulation. Investigations uncovered a vast disinformation campaign, with over 25,000 fake social media accounts—primarily on TikTok—spreading pro-Russian narratives and stoking polarization. Cyberattacks targeted public institutions and political parties.

The May 2025 rerun saw the victory of pro-European candidate Nicușor Dan, who secured 54% of the vote. His win was welcomed by civil society and EU leaders as a testament to Romania’s democratic resilience amid hybrid threats.

Balance, Vigilance, and Future Outlook

Romania stands at a crossroads between democratic consolidation and systemic fragility. Ensuring a stable and inclusive future requires:

• Long-term, depoliticized reforms in justice and public administration,
• Protection of independent media and investigative journalism,
• Social inclusion and a comprehensive legal framework for minority rights,
• Sustainable financial and administrative support for civil society, and
• International cooperation to combat hybrid threats and reinforce democratic institutions.

Only through civic vigilance, strategic cooperation, and sustainable policy-making can Romania navigate the geopolitical uncertainties ahead.

Lucian Mustata
ISHR Guest Author

Andrei’s Story – A Journalist on the Frontlines of Truth

In a small southern Romanian town, 34-year-old investigative journalist Andrei has spent the past decade uncovering what many fear to touch: corruption in local government, misuse of EU funds, and abuses of power by local elites. After publishing an exposé on the mayor’s ties to a construction company monopolizing public contracts, Andrei received anonymous threats, saw his wife’s business targeted by tax inspections, and was defamed in a smear piece by a local tabloid owned by the same business group he investigated. Yet, he persisted.

Today, Andrei collaborates with national platforms and international watchdogs to protect and amplify his work. He encrypts all communications, avoids routines, and no longer lists his home address publicly. Though Romania formally protects press freedom, Andrei’s story illustrates the vulnerabilities journalists face—especially outside Bucharest—where local power structures often override institutional safeguards.

Andrei is not alone. A new generation of young journalists, backed by NGOs and international allies, is rising to confront censorship and corruption. Andrei’s story is emblematic of a Romania caught between democratic aspirations and persistent threats—where ideals must be defended daily, with courage and solidarity.