Number: RS22577
Title: Romania: Background and Current Issues
Authors: Carl Ek, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: On January 1, 2007, Romania was formally admitted into the European Union. The accession marked a major milestone for the country, which has been struggling through a difficult, lengthy transition from communism and the 24-year era of oppressive rule under Nicolae Ceausescu. In 2004 national elections, the center-right captured a majority in parliament along with the presidency. Over the past two years, however, there has been a great deal of infighting among the governing coalition partners. Observers believe that the parties held together out of a common desire to achieve EU membership. Now that EU entry is an accomplished fact, some believe Romania may face early elections. A May 19 referendum on Traian Basescu's presidency, engineered by the opposition-dominated parliament, not only failed to dislodge him from his post, it reaffirmed public support for the popular reformist. Relations between Romania and the United States have been close. Bucharest has cooperated with the Bush Administration in the war on terrorism, and is providing troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq. In December 2005, the two countries signed an agreement granting the United States permission to establish military bases in Romania.
Pages: 6
Date: July 12, 2007