By Dan Stoenescu
December 1st is not only a day for Romanians to celebrate the historic union of Transylvania with the Kingdom of Romania in 1918, but also a moment to reflect on how far our country has come since its accession to the European Union. As we commemorate our National Day, we are reminded of the undeniable progress that Romania has made, driven by the transformative power of EU membership.
One hundred and six years ago, the centuries-long ideal of national unity was achieved, building the foundation of the modern Romanian state. Thirty-five years after the fall of the Iron Curtain in Europe, replacing totalitarianism with democracy, we are living in a complex international context, marked by the illegal, unjustified, and unprovoked aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, instability and radicalism. Determination and solidarity remain essential values.
With a predictable foreign policy, anchored in European and transatlantic democratic values, Romania is currently an essential contributor to Europe’s security, continuing, as long as necessary, the firm and multidimensional support for Ukraine and its citizens and its constructive engagement in strengthening security in the Black Sea region and NATO’s Eastern Flank.
Romania does not address these difficulties and challenges in isolation. Today, Romania is part of the strongest collective security alliance, NATO, which brings a billion people under its protective umbrella. Romania celebrated 20 years of NATO membership this year, in the year in which the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance turned 75. The two decades of NATO membership have strengthened our country’s strategic profile as a promoter of transatlantic solidarity and allied unity, as an active supporter of the “open door” policy, and of support for partners who share the same principles and values.
Since joining the European Union in 2007, the benefits for Romania and its citizens have been undeniable. Our daily lives have been shaped by an influx of investments, enhanced economic ties with other member states, and access to a shared space of values and principles. From the improvements in living standards to the substantial growth in our economy, Romania has emerged as a success story of European integration. The EU has not only strengthened our economic foundation but has also contributed to the development of modern infrastructure, the digitalization of key sectors, and a more competitive labor market.
Looking back at the past 17 years, the numbers speak for themselves. Romania has received over 60 billion euros in EU funds, more than offsetting our contributions to the EU budget. These funds have been a driving force behind transformative projects across transport, healthcare, education, and the environment. As a result, Romania’s GDP has tripled, and GDP per capita has nearly quadrupled. Our citizens are experiencing tangible benefits, from increased wages to more opportunities for travel, study, and work across the EU and beyond. Starting 2025 we will be fully fledged members of the Schengen zone and travel visa-free around the world, including to the USA. Today, Romanians enjoy the freedom of movement and the advantages of a larger, unified European market, which has opened doors for entrepreneurs and businesses.
Romania’s progress extends beyond the numbers; it’s felt in the everyday lives of our people. The minimum wage has increased twentyfold in the past two decades, and the average salary has grown significantly. These changes are not just about economic growth, but about lifting the standard of living for all Romanians. The EU has played a crucial role in this transformation, offering expertise, funding, and a clear path towards modernization. Whether through the Erasmus program, which has allowed over 44,000 Romanian students to study abroad, or the vast improvements in infrastructure, Romania has become more connected to the world and better positioned to face the challenges of the future.
However, this is just the beginning. As we look to the future, Romania has a unique opportunity to continue building on these gains, particularly in areas like digitalization, healthcare, and education. The European Union’s budget for 2021-2027, along with the Next Generation EU recovery plan, provides Romania with over 79 billion euros in funding for reforms and investments. This is a crucial opportunity to accelerate our development, improve our infrastructure, and address the challenges posed by global crises, such as the war in Ukraine and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Romania’s unwavering commitment to EU values will ensure that we contribute to the broader European project, strengthening the EU’s resilience and unity.
Romania has also played a pivotal role in the EU’s response to global challenges. Our support for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, for example, is a testament to our dedication to the European project and to building a more stable and secure region. As we celebrate December 1st, we should also recognize our role in advancing European unity and cohesion, particularly in the face of difficult times.
The future of Romania lies in its continued integration into the European project. Our place in the EU is not just about economic benefits, but about shaping a society based on shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Romania’s National Day is not just a celebration of our past, but a reminder of the bright future that lies ahead—a future defined by growth, innovation, and a deepening of our ties to Europe.
Romania and Pakistan enjoy very good bilateral relations and Pakistan represents an important partner for Romania in the South Asian region. Moreover, this year, Romania and Pakistan celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, and this link has been constantly developed throughout the years. This mutual motivation has rendered a fruitful political dialogue, reflecting the clear desire of both states to develop a pragmatic relationship in fields of common interests. Our two countries are bound to take forward the bilateral agenda and the cooperation within the EU-Pakistan framework and in multilateral formats, especially within the UN.
As we celebrate Romania’s National Day, let us honor the progress we have made and commit to pushing forward in the years to come. Together with our European partners, we will continue to build a Romania that is prosperous, secure, and fully integrated into the European family and a strong partner of Pakistan!
Dan Stoenescu is the ambassador-designate of Romania to Pakistan
