At a time when the United States is redefining its role in the security and economic architecture of Eastern Europe, Romania has a window of opportunity that few regional actors can capitalize on in the same way. The American interest is not only political, but increasingly important economically, and the reconstruction of post-war Ukraine could turn Romania into an essential support point for American companies that will seek stability in the region. «The political interest is to have a friendly country that can support American policy and also Romania’s policy. This is a bit fragile ground at the present time, because there are certain frictions vis-à-vis the European Union and Romania will have to play this game very carefully and at the same time there are positions on the current conflicts, where Romania has demonstrated that it can get involved, especially Ukraine.» said Cătălin Mihalache, general (r), founder and CEO, Black Sea Strategies, at ZF Live, a show produced with the support of Orange Business. The stake is not only diplomatic. The reconstruction of Ukraine represents one of the largest economic projects anticipated for the next decade, and American companies will need infrastructure, logistics and stable local partners to operate in the region. Romania’s geographical position, along with NATO and EU membership, naturally places it in this equation, provided that Bucharest actively builds its credibility as a regional hub. «What will follow for Ukraine will be essential, because American companies and here we are talking about the political-economic interest will want to have points of stability from where they can operate and here it will be important how Romania will succeed in convincing that it can become this hub they need and we are working in this sense with the Alliance.» Cătălin Mihalache also said at ZF Live. Romania is facing a rare opportunity to change its status in the region, moving from a passive to an active role in the economic and political reorientation of Eastern Europe. The ability to simultaneously navigate the tensions between Washington and Brussels, while maintaining relevance to both partners, will determine to what extent the country can concretely capitalize on this moment.
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