At a reception in Sarajevo, the Ambassador of Romania to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Anton Păcuretu, marked Romania’s National Day with a speech underscoring the importance of unity, shared security, and the strong ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Păcuretu recalled that on this day in 1918, Romanians fulfilled their long-held aspiration to unite within a single state. He emphasized that history has proven the strength of unity, especially in times of global uncertainty.
“Today, as we face new threats, it is clearer than ever that no country confronts security challenges alone,” he said, referring to the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. He reaffirmed Romania’s firm support for Ukraine from the very beginning of the war, noting that the pursuit of lasting peace remains a shared priority.
Reflecting on Romania’s progress since the end of communist rule, Ambassador highlighted the country’s remarkable transformation over the past three decades. Since joining NATO more than 20 years ago and the EU 18 years ago, Romania has enjoyed unprecedented security guarantees and economic development.
He noted that Romania’s GDP rose from around 30 billion euros in 2000 to nearly 400 billion euros today, and the country advanced from 20% to almost 80% of the EU average – representing the fastest economic convergence in the Union. He credited EU membership for enabling Romania to benefit from nearly 100 billion euros in EU funds and roughly the same amount in foreign direct investment.
The ambassador expressed satisfaction that companies and workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina are playing an important role in major infrastructure projects in Romania worth billions of euros. “This is why, in our dialogue with our friends in BiH, we always emphasize the benefits of being part of the EU family,” he said.
Ambassador reiterated Romania’s long-standing support for EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina. He encouraged BiH leaders to stay committed to reforms and seize the current momentum to officially open EU accession negotiations.
Looking ahead to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, he highlighted three decades of growing political dialogue and expanding economic cooperation. Romania has remained a reliable political, diplomatic, and military partner to BiH, driven by the belief that a stable and prosperous region benefits all.
This year, the bilateral relationship gained additional momentum through numerous high-level visits, including Romania’s interim president, the ministers of defense and education, state secretaries, parliamentarians, local officials and cultural delegations.
As an EU and NATO member, Romania is deeply invested in safeguarding regional stability, His Excellency stressed. He noted that 2025 is especially significant, as Romania assumed command of EUFOR Althea for the first time under General Florian-Marian Barbu.
“We remain committed to continuing our engagement because lasting peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina are essential for the security and prosperity of the entire region,” he concluded.
The Great Union of 1 December 1918 marks the unification of three major historical provinces of Romania. First came Bessarabia (on 27 March 1918), then Bukovina (on 28 November 1918), and finally Transylvania, which united on 1 December 1918.
This act of unification fulfilled the long-standing national aspiration of Romanians to live together within one state, and it stands as one of the most important milestones in the country’s modern history.
Unity Day symbolizes the values of solidarity, national cohesion, and shared identity, which continue to guide Romania today. Celebrations traditionally include military parades, cultural events, and ceremonies honoring those who contributed to the formation of modern Romania.
The day also serves as a reminder of the country’s progress over the past century – from overcoming the challenges of the 20th century to becoming a member of NATO and the European Union, where Romania plays an active role in promoting regional stability, cooperation and democratic principles.
Across Romania and among Romanian communities worldwide, National Unity Day is observed with pride, reflecting both the country’s historical achievements and its commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and united future.
