Although Romania and the UK have been long-standing independent countries in relative proximity, they haven’t always had the warmest of relationships; truth be told, tensions have run between the two regions in the past primarily due to Soviet Union influences. However, the relationship has gradually shifted more recently in their shared history, warming the dynamic between the two.
Today, their relationship is described as strong, and they share the goal of driving prosperity between and for the two regions. This has been a carefully and tactfully built relationship, with key elements being implemented to foster strong, positive relations. These fundamental elements have ranged from establishing strong business and trade networks to political ties.
Businesses and Trade Relations
In 2003, the Romanian-British Strategic Partnership was formed between the two countries (and was recently renewed in 2023). The formal partnership incorporates a variety of shared items between Romania and the UK, including their political interests (which we’ll look at in the next section), and it also encompasses their economic ties through their trade dealings.
Business and trade relations focus largely on clean and sustainable growth, with renewable energy, technology and finance at the forefront of their goals and operations. This is shaping up to create shared investment forums and research projects between the two nations that will allow UK investment funds to support Romanian start-ups and enable the nations to collaborate on sustainable efforts.
To aid this effort, departments like the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) have developed specific outlines and guides for facilitating operations between the two countries that will ideally boost both of their economies and long-term goals.
Political and Military Relations
While business and trade are certainly economic drivers that open up an array of options for both nations, political and military relations, like Romania joining NATO and the EU, have made more headlines and attracted more attention.
Romania became a member of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in 2004, aligning the country with the other 31 member countries, including the UK. This means the two are aligned on a collective defence interest to protect all parties and to support global crises impacting members and partner nations.
This support extends to countries assisting Romania’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since Romania is a bordering country of Ukraine, it has financially supported over 4 million refugees – though it has required extra support to assist so many people. Over 100,000 of these refugees have made Romania their temporary home.
The support Romania offers Ukrainian refugees was a significant point of discussion while reaffirming the Romanian-British Strategic Partnership last year, as the UK wanted to show their support for these efforts where possible.
Another notable element that brought Romania and the UK together was Romania’s entrance into the European Union in January 2007. While the UK has since left the EU, it still tied the two together in another shared political and economic realm.
The Appeal of Becoming an Expat
Beyond the more formal aspects of the Romania-UK relationship discussed here is another important but altogether different element: the ties each nation’s citizens are building between the two countries. Currently, 1.2 million people are both Romanian and British, meaning many have fostered an appreciation, if not a love, for both places.
These significant cross-nation ties can, of course, be attributed to the work done through the countries’ political, economic, and other formal agreements and plans, but it also boils down to elements that were pre-established or inherent in both places. These established things can come from laws similar to each nation’s unique education or career opportunities.
When it comes to UK residents looking to move to Romania, the qualities that stand out include the items outlined below.
Familiarity
The similarities between the two countries mean newcomers can quickly find comfort and familiarity, knowing that some of their favourite activities will still be available to them when they arrive in either country. Both countries, for example, have similar laws when it comes to gambling and drinking; those over 18 can participate in both, and online gambling is legal, with big payment providers backing it.
Beyond the fun and entertainment, the similarities between the two countries also extend to how accessible high-quality education and public health care are.
Access to the EU
Another key quality Romania brings to the table is its position as a member of the European Union. For UK residents who want access to the perks that being part of the EU brings (like finding work, studying, or travelling anywhere within the EU), settling in Romania provides a vast pool of opportunities.
Low Costs of Living and Career Opportunities
Romania has a low cost of living compared to the rest of Europe and certainly compared to the UK, giving it an edge for those looking for an affordable place to settle.
The country also has a growing economy and is beginning to be recognized for its technology companies, particularly in Bucharest. Beyond merely creating opportunities for those interested in these sectors, some even believe Romania could become a technology hub in the future.
Conclusion
The relationship between the UK and Romania is a long-standing one that has only become more positively and strongly linked in the last few decades. The two nations working towards common goals opens up a wealth of opportunities to their citizens, international security, and forward-moving efforts for people and sustainability.
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