Presidential elections in Poland and Romania: would Central Europe remain pro-EU?

Populist movements in Central Europe have gained significant traction in recent years, mirroring a broader trend of right-wing populism across Europe. These movements thrive on the rising polarization within many countries, often fueled by the growing influence of Moscow and deteriorated economic conditions. In Romania, the cancellation of the former presidential election scheduled for 2024 highlighted the risks posed by these nationalist and far-right movements. However, the country experienced a remarkable mobilization in support of a pro-European candidate, signaling a resistance to immediate shifts toward extremism. Despite this momentum, Romania now faces critical challenges in forming a constant government and addressing urgent needs for public finance consolidation and political stability. Meanwhile, Poland's political landscape remains heavily influenced by a hard-right agenda, following two disappointing years under the pro-EU government led by Donald Tusk. The upcoming 2 nd round of the elections on June 1 will be crucial in determining not only whether Poland can embark on much-needed reforms without being hindered by presidential vetoes but also whether the conservative trend will dominate or if pro-European and liberal values can prevail. While the presidential elections in both Poland and Romania are of less significance, the legislative elections in the Czech Republic this October deserve particular scrutiny, as they have the potential to further shape the region's political trajectory.