Nicusor Dan, the independent candidate who won Sunday's second round of the presidential election in Romania, was congratulated by numerous international leaders.

President of the European Council Antonio Costa sees Nicusor Dan's victory as 'a strong signal of Romanians' attachment to the European project.'

'I know that under your leadership Romania will go from strength to strength and will keep shaping our Europe. Looking forward to working together for a smarter, stronger and safer Europe,' wrote Roberta Metsola on X (formerly Twitter), in both Romanian and English, in her message of congratulations to Nicusor Dan.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also remarked that 'the Romanian people have turned out massively to the polls,' 'have chosen the promise of an open, prosperous Romania in a strong Europe.'

'Romania, we walk together with confidence on the European path! The Republic of Moldova and Romania rely on each other - in both good times and bad,' wrote Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Facebook.

'Despite numerous attempts at manipulation, the Romanian people chose democracy, the rule of law, and the European Union tonight,' wrote French President Emmanuel Macron on X on Sunday evening. 'France will stand by your side to strengthen our partnership and work together for a stronger, more sovereign, and more independent Europe,' Macron added.

'For Ukraine - as a neighbour and friend - it is important to have Romania as a reliable partner. And we are confident we will. By working together, we can strengthen both our countries and our Europe. We will always have great respect for Romania and its people, especially given the support we received during the most difficult period in our history,' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X.

He also addressed Romanians: 'Dear Romanians, you can count on Ukraine as a good neighbor and partner. We can overcome any challenge if we are united and strong. I look forward to further developing the strategic partnership between our friendly nations for the sake of their stability, security, and prosperity.'

The Prime Ministers of Poland and Spain also congratulated Nicusor Dan. 'Long live free Romania!' wrote Donald Tusk in Romanian, while Pedro Sánchez emphasised that Romania and the EU have won, and 'the far right has lost.' AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Mariana Ionescu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)