OPINION
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it is worth pausing, not only within America, but beyond its borders, to reflect on what the country has meant to the world and what it continues to represent through the enduring strength of American leadership and President Donald J. Trump.
This milestone is not simply a celebration of American history; it is a moment to recognize the deep and enduring bond, rooted in shared values, sacrifice, and strategic alignment, with countries such as my own, Romania, that stand for freedom and opportunity.
For Romanians, America has never been a distant power, but a strong ally committed to promoting peace and security and defending against our adversaries.
That is why the partnership between our nations deserves more than the simple expression of gratitude, it must be deepened, defended and carried ambitiously into the future, as it is based on a durable foundation of respect, admiration, and common purpose that remains highly relevant today.
For this, history provides the firmest ground.
After the Second World War, Romanians mounted one of the longest-lasting armed resistance movements against Communism anywhere behind the Iron Curtain through fighters who held out in the Carpathian Mountains into the early 1960s.
The United States sought to aid them, parachuting Romanian volunteers and supplies to sustain the fight.
Those who took to the mountains clung to a single hope: that the Americans would come and free Romania.
Many carried that hope to their deaths at the hands of the Communists, a faith that speaks volumes about the bond between our two peoples.
Romanians understand acutely the importance of freedom – individual, political, and economic. The convergence with American values extends to core societal principles:
faith and family, the importance of secure borders, and the primacy of democracy and liberty.
Romania remains a committed strategic partner to the United States in moments requiring both resolve and resources.
Recently, Romania stepped forward to host U.S. military capabilities, including a substantial presence of C-130 transport aircraft, today exceeding that of any other European country.
Romanian forces have served alongside American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, underscoring a shared commitment to global security.
That commitment continues through increased defense spending and the procurement of advanced U.S. military systems.
The partnership also extends into areas that will define the future of both nations and the broader region.
Romania plays a central role in advancing a strategic ecosystem in the Black Sea anchoring peace, stability and security in the region.
To support this, we are actively working on facilitating a strengthened U.S. presence at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, joint nuclear energy initiatives at Cernavodă, small modular reactor development with U.S. technology providers, and the proposed establishment of an artificial intelligence gigafactory in Dobrogea.
Additional initiatives include the upgrade of the Port of Constanța into a more effective regional hub expected to also play a critical role in Ukraine's reconstruction, the joint development of critical mineral supply chains, and the advancement of the Vertical Gas Corridor and the Neptun Deep project to reduce European dependence on Russian gas.
Taken together, these efforts represent more than cooperation; they constitute a comprehensive convergence of security, economic, technological, and energy priorities.
Within this broader context, one often underappreciated dimension deserves special note: American leadership commands deep respect among the Romanian people.
Political differences within the United States notwithstanding, the American presidency continues to resonate in a powerful way globlally.
In Romania, popular support for American leadership, specifically for President Trump, remains extremely strong, reflecting both historical affinity and a shared outlook on the challenges and priorities of today.
As America marks 250 years since its Founding, Romanians will celebrate the occasion together with our American friends and partners.
It will be a moment of reflection, gratitude, and reaffirmation.
The legacy of the United States reaches far beyond its borders and is embedded in the histories and aspirations of nations that have looked up to it as a source of inspiration and hope.
On July 4, 2026, many in Romania will pause to offer thanks and well wishes, recognizing that the birth of the United States set in motion forces that reshaped the world for the better.
At 250, America's story continues to unfold as great chapters are still lying ahead.
From Romania's perspective, one conclusion is clear: the alliance between our nations is strong, enduring, and destined to deepen further in the years ahead.
May God bless America on its 250th birthday!
Nicușor Dan is the President of Romania.