Suceava, Bucovina, ROMANIA – As global tax talks heat up between the European Union and the United States, Romania is quietly bracing for the impact.
Listen to the author read this article:
While the debate might seem far away, the effects could hit closer to home than we expect.
On June 26th, during a press conference at the European Council meeting in Brussels, Romanian President Nicușor Dan reassured the public of Romania’s stance:
“Romania fully supports the efforts of the European Commission and President Ursula von der Leyen to continue negotiations in order to reach an agreement with the USA before August 1st. We also support the EU’s approach toward a negotiated solution with the USA, in the interest of our citizens, businesses, and the transatlantic partnership.”
What’s Romania got to lose?
Romania is one of the biggest beneficiaries of European Union funds. We rely on EU support for everything from building highways and modernizing hospitals to education programs and scholarships for students.
Cuts or delays in funding, especially if the EU’s budget shrinks due to trade complications with the U.S., would hit hard.
I’ve always received a merit-based scholarship, not because my family is wealthy or connected, but because I’ve worked hard.
Like many Romanian students, I’ve counted on that money to cover school supplies, transportation, and sometimes even food. For thousands of teens like me, it’s a lifeline. Cutting it feels like a message that our effort doesn’t matter.
This entire issue brings up a larger point: how smaller EU nations are often affected by decisions made far above them.
Romania, along with countries like Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria, relies heavily on being part of a strong, unified European Union. And if that union takes a financial hit due to trade wars or taxation battles, our future development plans might be the first to suffer.
So while these tax talks might not make daily headlines here, their outcome will shape the next few years of our country’s growth, and that’s something we should all care about.
Patri Stan is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
