Recognizing Romania's growing rule of law crisis, the U.S. should sanction Romanian politicians known to be corrupt. This action would represent a calibrated step to stand with Romanians as they demand a more honest democracy.

The need is real. Facing the Romanian government's recent firing of an anti-corruption prosecutor, tens of thousands of citizens have been taking to the streets demanding reform. One top concern is the government's dismissal of Laura Codruța Kövesi in July. A young and energetic prosecutor who made her name taking down Romania's entrenched kleptocratic class, Kövesi threatened the old order of cronyism and corruption. Until she was forced to step down, the prosecutor was a much-needed example of change.

But Kövesi is gone and the kleptocrats are feeling more confident.

The U.S. should support existing European Union pressure and stand with Romanians. This isn't just about morality. Bordering the Black Sea, Ukraine, and Moldova, Romania's geo-strategic location makes it an important NATO ally. It also makes Romania particularly vulnerable to the kleptocratic networks used by Vladimir Putin of Russia to extend his influence.

That said, any sanctions on Romania would have to be carefully targeted. With U.S.-Romania trade being relatively limited (in 2017, at around $2 billion, U.S. imports from the eastern European nation were double its exports) and Romania's population already struggling with low living standards, U.S. sanctions should focus tightly on corrupt officials. That would get the Romanian government's attention, but in a calibrated way designed to avoid unnecessary escalation. In turn, the U.S. would have means of leveraging Romania to listen to their citizens demands and hopefully reappoint Kövesi.

Time is of the essence. A democratic American ally is facing a struggle for its future and its people need U.S. support.