ROMANIA

A new president

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Romania’s new president, Nicușor Dan, has a strong pro-Romania, pro-America, pro-Europe and pro-NATO stance and has been delivered a clear mandate by the Romanian people. The 55-year-old former Bucharest mayor is in the process of forming a reform-minded government, tasked with cutting the budget deficit and reducing red tape and corruption. A pro-European leader in Poland would have been reassuring for him. But now he’s on his own, because the rightwing candidate has won.

Romania will be the main transit point for aid to Ukraine and needs logistic and political support from its partners in the EU and NATO to fulfill that role. It’s a challenge, but also a huge opportunity for Bucharest to play a key role in Europe’s history.

On the other hand, in Poland the cards have been reshuffled with the election of Karol Nawrocki. For now at least, Romania is the only country in the region with a clear pro-Western direction (pro-America, pro-Europe and pro-NATO).

SOURCE: Daniela Draghici, Romania, E-mail, 17 June 2025

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ASTRA: Short report of the ASTRA meeting

For May 28-29, members from across the Eastern European region gathered to exchange ideas, set new priorities, and strengthen our collective impact in the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Over two days of dynamic discussions, collaborative workshops, and powerful storytelling, we tackled the challenges of shrinking civic space, explored innovative advocacy strategies, and co-created the future direction of ASTRA.

We shared strategies, experiences and challenges in advancing women’s and girls’ bodily autonomy and rights in the face of growing resistance and democratic backsliding in the region. Despite the challenges, the dedication within our movement and progressive initiatives in countries such as Lithuania, where the parliament is considering a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health law, remain a source of hope.

Here are some highlights:

✔️ Engaging working groups on SRHR priorities, international visibility, and conference planning

✔️ Empowering self-defense classes 🥋💪

✔️ Inspiring sessions on advocacy with the UN, Council of Europe, and EU

✔️ Meaningful conversations on best practices and resilience in the face of anti-gender movements 🚨

✔️ Filming interviews for our upcoming ASTRA film 🎥🎤

🌟 Together, we’re shaping a bold and inclusive future for SRHR advocacy.

The result of the presidential election in Poland is an example of the persistent strength of conservative forces in the region, however. The women’s rights movement needs strong allies, renewed solidarity, and collective courage to keep pushing forward.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed their energy, ideas, and expertise – and to our incredible facilitators and partners! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey!

SOURCE: Daniela Draghici, Romania, E-mail, 17 June 2025