My Vision for Europe

EU flag My Vision for Europe

Europe stands at a critical juncture. The challenges we face – from geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty to the urgent need for a sustainable future – demand a united and decisive response. As a Member of the European Parliament, I am committed to building a stronger, more secure, and prosperous Europe that reflects the values we hold dear: democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. My vision is rooted in the belief that only through collective action and strategic foresight can we ensure a bright future for all European citizens.

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Romania flag My Vision for Romania

Romania stands at a pivotal moment. We have the opportunity to solidify our position within the European Union, driving forward a transformative agenda that ensures prosperity, security, and a brighter future for all our citizens. As a Member of the European Parliament, and particularly as a member of the Regional Development Committee, I am committed to leveraging my experience and influence to shape a Romania that thrives within a strong and united Europe.

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My Vision for Romania

Main Objectives

Europe For Europe

Strengthen Strategic Autonomy and Enlargement

Strengthen Strategic Autonomy and Enlargement

To build a more secure and influential Europe by enhancing its independent defense capabilities, fostering deeper cooperation within NATO, and accelerating the accession processes for Moldova and North Macedonia, thereby promoting stability and prosperity in the region.

Advance Cohesion and Sustainable Economic Transition

Advance Cohesion and Sustainable Economic Transition

To ensure equitable regional development and a competitive, digitized, and environmentally sustainable European economy through robust cohesion policies, targeted investments in innovation and green technologies, and the effective implementation of the European Green Deal.

Romania For Romania

Maximize EU Fund Utilization and Drive National Modernization

Maximize EU Fund Utilization and Drive National Modernization

To strategically leverage EU funds, particularly through the MFF and PNRR, to modernize Romania's infrastructure, support rural development, enhance digital capabilities, and drive economic diversification, ensuring efficient absorption and impactful implementation.

Assert Romania's Voice and Protect National Interests within the EU

Assert Romania's Voice and Protect National Interests within the EU

To actively participate in EU decision-making, advocating for Romania's strategic interests, safeguarding the rights of Romanian citizens working in Europe, and contributing to the development of robust EU policies that promote economic stability, social justice, and environmental sustainability.

Dan Barna

About me

I am a liberal Romanian MEP, the leader of the USR (Union Save Romania party) delegation in the European Parliament and Vice-President of the Renew Europe Group and the ALDE Party. Previously, I served as Romania's deputy prime-minister, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies and President of the Romanian Parliament's Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA). During my two terms as a national MP, I was active in the Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Committees. Currently, I am a member of the Foreign Affairs, Regional Development and International Trade Committees in the European Parliament. I am also a member of the parliamentary delegations for the United States, the Republic of Moldova and Euronest.

European Parliament

Member of the European Parliament Uniunea Salvati Romania - USR

Vice-President of the Renew Europe Group

Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament

Member of the Delegation for relations with the United States

Member of the Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly

Substitute Member of the Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament

Substitute Member of the Committee on Regional Development of the European Parliament

02/2026–present

Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee

05/2023–present

Vice-President of the ALDE Party

National Parliament

12/2020–07/2024

Member of the Romanian Parliament

02/2022–07/2024

Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament

12/2022–07/2024

President of the Delegation of the Romanian Parliament to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

02/2024–07/2024

Vice-Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament

09/2023–07/2024

Member of the Committee on European Affairs

12/2016–12/2020

Member of the Romanian Parliament

12/2016–12/2020

Vice-Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

12/2016–07/2024

Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

National Government

12/2020–09/2021

Deputy Prime Minister in the Romanian Government (coordinator for the National Recovery and Resilience Programme and the following ministries: Ministry of Transport, Ministry of European Investments and Projects, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Economy, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation)

05/2016–09/2016

State secretary, Ministry of European Funds, Bucharest. Offices held in an international political party organisation or an international trade union organisation

Professional career

05/2016–09/2016

State secretary, Ministry of European Funds, Bucharest

2007–05/2016

Managing partner/trainer and consultant, Dezvoltare DCG SRL consultancy group (www.structural-consulting.ro, www.fonduri-structurale.ro), Bucharest, European Consultants Organisation, Brussels, Belgium

2009–2012

Expert in team implementing the 'Quality Healthcare by Training Family Doctors' project financed by POSDRU, Medright Experts with the Dezvoltare DCG consultancy group as beneficiary and project partner

2005–2007

National coordinator for the information campaign on the 'FONDUL EUROPA - Information Programme of the European Commission Delegation in Romania', European Commission Delegation in Bucharest

2001–2007

Senior PHARE expert, European Commission Delegation in Bucharest

09/2006–05/2007

Expert evaluator, ECO Bucharest, BBI Bucharest

2004–2008

Technical and Financial Consultant/Trainer, Salvati Copiii România, Bucharest

2003–2007

Trainer and consultant, Romanian Training Institute (IRT), Bucharest

04/2003–02/2004

Legal assistance coordinator in the team establishing the Citizens' Anti-corruption Advisory Centre, Romania. Project funded by the German Government under the Stability Pact, Transparency International Romania, Bucharest

2001–present

Secretary-general/Trainer, Romanian Association of Law in a Development Context - IDLO Alumni

2000–2001

Legal adviser, Bertagna Gruia Dufaut Gruia - BGDG SRL, Bucharest

02/2000–07/2000

Course coordinator, IDLO - International Development Law Organisation, Rome, Italy

1996–1999

Coordinator for the Legal Assistance Programme INFOTIN – Information and Documentation Centre for Young People, Ministry of Youth and Sport, Bucharest

Education

1994–1998

University of Bucharest, Faculty of Law

2000

International Development Law Institute - Rome, Italy (Certificate in training for specialists in law in the context of sustainable development and course in Training of trainers)

2002–2003

Polytechnic University of Bucharest - CPRU - Master's in project management

2005–2006

National Institute of Administration - MAI; Institut für Europäische Politik and InWent Germany (Trainer, international certificates in structural funding)

10/2009–11/2009

Dezvoltare DCG consultancy group - Project manager

11/2009

Dezvoltare DCG consultancy group - Trainer of trainers

12/2013

Dezvoltare DCG consultancy group - Expert in the harnessing of EU structural and cohesion funding

Political career

05/2023–present

Vice-President of the ALDE Party

10/2021–06/2024

Vice-President of Uniunea Salvați România (Save Romania Union party) (USR); Member of the national bureau of the USR

10/2017–09/2021

President of the USR

08/2020–09/2021

Co-President of the USR PLUS Alliance

Other activities

02/2018–08/2018

National coordinator of the Citizens' initiative 'Revision of the Constitution: No Convicted Criminals in Public Office'

1996–2001

National (interim) Vice-President/President of ELSA (European Law Students Association) Romania, Bucharest

Member of IDLO, Rome - International Organisation for Development Law

Member of the Bucharest Bar – Private law practice with 8 years of professional experience (not practising at present)

Founder member in Romania and Secretary-General since 2002 of the Romanian Association for Development Law (IDLO), an NGO specialising in legal training

Founder member of the Association for Beneficiaries of European Funding

Activity

Intervention in the AFET Committee: Exchange of views on the use of EU guarantees and the European Funds for Sustainable Development [EFSD & EFSD+]
23 Jun 2026

Intervention in the AFET Committee: Exchange of views on the use of EU guarantees and the European Funds for Sustainable Development [EFSD & EFSD+]

The increased efficiency of the External Action Guarantee (EAG) is a very important proposal. The instrument, particularly the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), stands as the Union’s largest risk-sharing mechanism, vital for supporting priority investments outside the Union and delivering on the strategic Global Gateway objectives. The efficiency gains allow us to reinforce EU external action priorities at a time when resources are scarce. The geopolitical context makes maximizing this new capacity urgent. As the Commission proposal correctly identifies, enlargement must be seen as a geopolitical imperative, and the EAG should contribute directly to economic convergence for enlargement countries.

Meeting with Participants from the “Resilient Civil Society Academy” at the European Parliament
23 Jun 2026

Meeting with Participants from the “Resilient Civil Society Academy” at the European Parliament

I held an exchange of views at the European Parliament with the delegation attending the “Resilient Civil Society Academy”, organised by European Liberal Forum. The delegation was composed of civil society leaders from EU accession countries: Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Romania, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. I was also pleased to arrange a visit to the European Parliament for them.

How European funds are changing the face of our communities, with the right people like Anca Marcu, USR Mayor of Cojocna, Cluj County
18 May 2026

How European funds are changing the face of our communities, with the right people like Anca Marcu, USR Mayor of Cojocna, Cluj County

Tasty Romanian tomatoes, cultivated with European funds in Căpușu Mare commune
16 May 2026

Tasty Romanian tomatoes, cultivated with European funds in Căpușu Mare commune

I visited two successful modern agriculture projects in the Căpușu Mare commune, Cluj County, which demonstrate with figures and facts the power of European funds when combined with passion and determination. The BIO Culture greenhouses were founded by Alina Nedeluș, who transformed a bold idea into a modern greenhouse where she cultivates exceptional quality organic cherry, cocktail, and round tomatoes. Because the agriculture of the future relies on association, Alina, together with other farmers, founded the ‘Grădina Noastră’ Cooperative in Căpușu Mare. Thanks to their teamwork, they manage to supply organic tomatoes year-round to major supermarket chains.

The Bosch Engineering Center in Cluj-Napoca is a prime example of what Romanian competitiveness means on a global scale.
15 May 2026

The Bosch Engineering Center in Cluj-Napoca is a prime example of what Romanian competitiveness means on a global scale.

Did you know that the cars of the future are programmed in Cluj? The Bosch Engineering Center in Cluj-Napoca is a prime example of what Romanian competitiveness means on a global scale. Bosch places Romania on the global map of macro-innovation and generates jobs. Around 1,500 employees here develop cutting-edge technologies for autonomous driving, electric mobility, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). In practice, the software and hardware solutions created in Cluj save lives in traffic and define the future of mobility worldwide.

Two days of european dialogue on the future of the EU, security, and snlargement in Ljubljana, Slovenia
5 Feb 2026

Two days of european dialogue on the future of the EU, security, and snlargement in Ljubljana, Slovenia

I visited Ljubljana, Slovenia, alongside Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, and my colleagues from the group’s leadership, to send a signal of unity by supporting the democratic, pro-European government and Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob ahead of the elections on March 22.

Past Activities

Balance Sheet in Figures

13Reports and opinions
190Initiated resolutions
15Parliamentary questions
59Plenary speeches
2347Amendments filed
177Stakeholder meetings
399Visitors to the European Parliament
4695Citizen interactions

Committees and delegations

Member

  • AFET

    Foreign Affairs

  • D-US

    Delegation for relations with the US

  • DEPA

    Delegation for relations with the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood

Substitute member

  • REGI

    Regional Development

  • INTA

    International Trade Agreements

  • D-MD

    Delegation for relations with Moldova

News

Elected Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee
12 Feb 2026

Elected Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee

I have been elected Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee. I thank my colleagues for their trust, but above all, I see this vote as a significant responsibility at a historic moment.

The “My Voice, My Choice” Citizens’ initiative: A step forward for women’s rights in the European Union
17 Dec 2025

The “My Voice, My Choice” Citizens’ initiative: A step forward for women’s rights in the European Union

I voted for the right to safe and legal abortion across the European Union. The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “My Voice, My Choice” has obtained a clear majority in the European Parliament. This is, in fact, a victory for the right of all women in the EU to have control over their own lives. The text adopted today calls on the Commission to establish a financial mechanism based on voluntary participation, open to all EU Member States and supported by European funds. This initiative would allow participating countries to provide access to safe abortions, in accordance with their domestic legislation. I would like to thank all the citizens who signed this initiative, and especially the “My Voice, My Choice” team for all their hard work and dedication.

The 2025 Sakharov Prize: A call for solidarity with journalists fighting for freedom
16 Dec 2025

The 2025 Sakharov Prize: A call for solidarity with journalists fighting for freedom

I had the privilege of meeting Jana Poczobut and Irma Dimitradze, who were at the European Parliament to accept the Sakharov Prize on behalf of the two laureates: Andrzej Poczobut from Belarus and Mzia Amaglobeli from Georgia. The Sakharov Prize is the EU's highest tribute to human rights, awarded this year to these two journalists who are currently behind bars in their respective countries due to their journalistic work and their struggle for freedom of expression. Andrzej Poczobut is a journalist and activist for the Polish minority in Belarus, imprisoned since 2021 for his criticism of the Lukashenka regime. Mzia Amaglobeli is a Georgian journalist, sentenced in 2025 by the pro-Russian authoritarian regime in Georgia. Their messages resonated today in the European Parliament as a call for solidarity and support for those who dare to stand with dignity, fighting for freedom in all its forms.

Moldova moves forward: A new step in EU accession negotiations
15 Dec 2025

Moldova moves forward: A new step in EU accession negotiations

I congratulate the Government in Chișinău, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, and Vice Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov for another major step taken today toward Moldova’s European future: the progress of technical discussions with the European Commission and the Danish Presidency on three of the six clusters: Fundamentals, Internal Market, and External Relations. Moldova's future lies alongside Romania in the EU.

The European Parliament takes another step toward simplification and cutting red tape for European businesses through Omnibus IV
2 Dec 2025

The European Parliament takes another step toward simplification and cutting red tape for European businesses through Omnibus IV

The Committee on International Trade (INTA) has voted on its Opinion regarding the Omnibus IV simplification package. As the Rapporteur for the Renew Europe group, I am pleased that we reached a compromise and that this Omnibus IV package, supported by the pro-European majority in the EP, brings significant benefits to the newly created category of companies: Small Mid-Cap companies (SMCs). According to the adopted proposal to amend the Trade Defence Instruments (TDI) Regulations [(EU) 2016/1036 and (EU) 2016/1037], this new category of SMCs will receive the same level of support as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, including the creation of a dedicated helpdesk. These measures, along with the full digitalization of the complaint-filing process and the alignment of investigation periods with a company’s financial year, reduce the financial and administrative burden and bolster the fight against unfair trade practices. Now more than ever, the EU needs to cut red tape and simplify procedures to gain a competitive advantage. Simplification is the engine of the Single Market and the EU economy.

Republic of Moldova praised for progress in the EU accession process
4 Nov 2025

Republic of Moldova praised for progress in the EU accession process

European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, presented the package of reports on EU candidate countries to the European Parliament. The Republic of Moldova was commended for its efforts in implementing the reforms necessary to open the first negotiation chapter. Furthermore, Moldova’s integration into the Single Market has progressed significantly, particularly in the areas of energy, security, and electronic payments. The Commission and the Parliament have called on the European Council to unblock the accession process and open the first negotiation chapter with the Republic of Moldova. Chișinău aims to conclude negotiations by 2028 and has demonstrated the capacity to sustain this momentum.

Archive