Voters expressed their frustration with the main parties, ousting the candidate representing the ruling coalition, prompting PM Marcel Ciolacu to resign, compounding Romania’s political crisis that started last year.

The surprise victory of far-right Calin Georgescu raises concerns that Russia may be trying to draw Romania into its camp, following disputed elections in Moldova and Georgia.

Turkiye, currently possessing 11 mine-hunting ships, will lead the Black Sea Mine Countermeasure Working Group and provide Bulgaria and Romania with the necessary capabilities.

Croatia officially entered the Schengen area, while Bulgaria and Romania were rejected due to members' concerns about the increasing transit of refugees and regular migrants through them into the region's territory.