Romanians vote on Sunday in a presidential election run-off that pits a hard-right eurosceptic against a centrist independent, and where the outcome could have implications for both the country's struggling economy and EU unity.

Hard-right nationalist George Simion, 38, who opposes military aid to neighboring Ukraine and is critical of European Union leadership, decisively swept the first presidential election round, triggering the collapse of a pro-Western coalition government. That led to significant capital outflows. 

Centrist Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan, 55, who has pledged to clamp down on corruption, is staunchly pro-EU and NATO, and has said Romania's support for Ukraine is vital for its own security against a growing Russian threat. 

The president of the EU and NATO state has considerable powers, not least being in charge of the defense council that decides on military aid. He will also have oversight of foreign policy, with the power to veto EU votes that require unanimity. 

Whoever is elected will also need to nominate a prime minister to negotiate a new majority in parliament to reduce Romania's budget deficit – the largest in the EU – as well as reassure investors and try to avoid a credit rating downgrade.

‘We cannot afford to drift’ 

An opinion poll on Friday showed Dan slightly ahead of Simion for the first time since the first round in a tight race that will depend on turnout and the sizable Romanian diaspora. 

"Unlike Western states, which can more easily afford mistakes, trust in Romania can be lost much more easily and it could … take generations to gain it back," said Radu Burnete, director of the country's largest employers' group. 

"We cannot afford to drift." 

Voting starts at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) and ends at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT), with exit polls to follow immediately.