Romanian public sentiment on EU integration

A July 2026 CURS poll of Bucharest residents revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the country's direction, with 74 % saying Romania is heading the wrong way and 54 % calling for the prime minister’s resignation. Respondents highlighted traffic congestion, taxes and street conditions as top local issues, while voting intentions suggested a split among the PSD, PNL and AUR parties.

The following day, a report commissioned by the Romanian Presidency’s Strategic Reflection Group examined the broader debate over national versus European identity. It concluded that the two identities can coexist and be reinforced by a healthy democracy. Survey data cited in the report showed that 69 % of Romanians would prefer to renegotiate more favorable EU terms, 11 % supported leaving the EU, and roughly half believed life would worsen if the Union dissolved. The findings shift the focus from immediate local grievances to a nuanced view of Romania’s relationship with the EU and the political use of identity politics.