Romanian Diaspora Network Launches Fundraiser to Support Election Transparency

The Romanian Diaspora Funding Network (RDFN), a coalition of Romanian diaspora groups in Europe and the U.S., has launched a new fundraising campaign to support efforts toward transparent and accountable presidential elections in Romania.

The initiative will provide financial support to three civic organizations—Funky Citizens, Rădăuțiul Civic, and Declic—which are actively working to promote electoral transparency. Funds raised will be used for organizing independent election observers, conducting public awareness and educational campaigns, tackling misinformation, and supporting investigative journalism projects.

According to RDFN, the campaign responds to growing concerns about Romania’s democratic health, noting the country’s 62nd global ranking for democracy and ongoing threats such as political apathy and disinformation.

“This campaign aims to empower Romanian citizens with the tools and information they need to make informed choices and ensure that the elections are fair and transparent,” the network stated.

Each organization will focus on specific activities:

• Funky Citizens: election monitoring, fact-checking marathons, and public campaigns.

• Rădăuțiul Civic: educational workshops and anti-disinformation outreach targeting especially young people.

• Declic: investigative reporting on political candidates and extremist influences.

Since its establishment, RDFN has raised over €250,000 and supported more than 42 organizations. The network includes diaspora donor groups in cities like Barcelona, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Berlin, Milan, and the Romanian United Foundation in the U.S.

Romania’s presidential elections are scheduled for May 4 (first round) and May 18 (second round), following a court-ordered repeat of last year’s annulled vote amid allegations of foreign interference.