EIU Says It Is Unclear Whether Hostile Relations With Russia Are In Romania’s Interests

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The Romanian government will face challenges in its relations with Russia and Moldova, the EIU said said in its country outlook on Romania for 2010-2011.

The report states Russia is particularly annoyed by Basescu's "irredentist attitude to Moldova, which helped him to win 95% of the votes cast by Romanians in that country in the second round of the presidential election" held on December 6, 2009.

Romania remains dependent on energy imports from Russia, the EIU notes, adding it is unclear whether Romania's interests are best served by having a hostile relationship with Russia.

The report also reminds a spokesman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Andrei Nesterenko, accused Basescu of making derogatory remarks about Russia during his election campaign, including attacks on his challenger, social democrat Mircea Geoana, for visiting Moscow privately.

Nesterenko accused Basescu of trying to play the "Russia card" against his political rivals and insinuating that Russia was interfering in Romania's internal affairs, the EIU notes.

Basescu is on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova Wednesday and Thursday to discuss Moldova's European aspirations and the two countries' bilateral relations.