The US is huge with small, medium sized and large cities. There’s slower paced places. Western Europe has some hectic large cities and capitals, long commutes involved and many other issues…
In his situation he just wants to get out and he needs to see which country is easy to migrate to when it comes to all the legal requirements and what not…
Romania is part of the EU so staying there should not be a problem. Also, Romanian being a Latin language, will be much easier to learn for a French speaker.
Romanians come across as very friendly and down to earth and their country has changed for the better in last ten years or so. Nature wise, a very beautiful country. Affordable. That being said if you’re going to earn local wage, then salaries are low compared to Finland or Western Europe.
If you want peace and calmness the the Baltic countries and Finland are your best bet. If you want better weather and “lively” people and culture, then Romania would be more suitable.
Have you considered Reunion Island? Still part of France but tropical and amazingly beautiful but expensive.