Euroscepticism in Romania: Nonexistent or Slowly Starting?

Abstract

European integration has seen better days. Following the European debt crisis, Brexit, and the coronavirus pandemic, EU member states are becoming increasingly Eurosceptic. These crises have lead to the radicalization of some Eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary. Within this debate, little attention has been given to the more inconspicuous (Eastern) member states, such as Romania. This thesis aims to contribute to the growing area of research surrounding European integration by exploring the case of Romania. Specifically, it will show a short, contemporary history of Euroscepticism in Romania.

This thesis examines Eurobarometer data and notable domestic events in Romanian history since its accession to the EU by applying these to the theory of postfunctionalism. It suggests that the presence of Eurosceptic parties in the domestic political landscape of a nation is crucial for the spread of Euroscepticism. Until the most recent elections, no Eurosceptic party was able to get into parliament. Through the coronavirus pandemic, Romanians became increasingly disillusioned by the EU and voted Eurosceptic right-wing populist parties into parliament. Such parties use nationalist sentiment to promote an exclusive identity, critize the EU in its current form, and validate Eurosceptic thought throughout the nation. On this basis, the coronavirus pandemic seemed like the catalyst for Euroscepticism to be present in Romania.