Washington is weighing a high level substitute for the Bucharest summit, raising questions about US commitment in Eastern Europe. Details on the decision are still unfolding.
In May, a Bucharest Nine (B9) summit is planned in the Romanian capital. The possible participation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio instead of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump replied to the invitation to participate in the summit on May 13 and expressed gratitude to Romania, but will not be able to attend in person.
Discussions are currently ongoing regarding the United States’ participation in the event, and on behalf of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio may join.
The Bucharest Nine format brings together NATO’s eastern flank countries – Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia; the main theme is regional security and support for Ukraine.
“The Bucharest Nine” was established in 2015 on the initiative of then Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and then Polish President Andrzej Duda; the first meeting took place in Bucharest.
This format emerged in response to Russia’s aggressive actions, notably after the annexation of Crimea and the military actions in Donbas in 2014.
Context and expectations for U.S. participation
If the delegation is led by Secretary of State Rubio, this could strengthen the United States’ involvement in Euro-Atlantic initiatives and support for Ukraine in the region.
Despite possible changes in the delegation’s composition, the Bucharest Nine format continues to serve as a platform for coordinating the efforts of the Eastern Flank countries and strengthening security in the region.