Romania’s National Day: A Testament to Progress and Partnerships

Romania’s National Day on December 1 marks not only the historic unification of 1918 but also serves as a reflection on the nation’s achievements and aspirations. Ambassador-designate of Romania to Pakistan, Dan Stoenescu, shared insights into the country’s transformation and its growing global role, particularly its strong ties with Pakistan.

In his message, Stoenescu highlighted the significance of the 1918 union of Transylvania with the Kingdom of Romania, a foundational event for the modern state. The day, he stated, also celebrates Romania’s post-communist resilience, its commitment to democracy, and its achievements since joining the European Union in 2007.

Romania has emerged as a steadfast supporter of NATO principles, marking 20 years as an alliance member. The ambassador emphasized Romania’s focus on regional stability, especially in the face of geopolitical challenges like the Ukraine crisis.

EU membership has been a game-changer for Romania. In the past 17 years, over €60 billion in EU funds have fueled advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. This transformation has tripled Romania’s GDP and nearly quadrupled GDP per capita. By 2025, Romania is set to join the Schengen zone, further enhancing its global connectivity.

This year marks six decades of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Romania. Stoenescu commended the growing partnership, noting collaborations in political dialogue and platforms such as the EU-Pakistan framework and the UN. Both countries aim to strengthen ties and address shared challenges, he added.

Looking ahead, Romania is poised to utilize €79 billion from the EU budget and recovery plans for reforms in healthcare, education, and digitalization. The ambassador reaffirmed Romania’s dedication to European values and its role in fostering regional stability, particularly supporting Moldova and Ukraine’s integration into the EU framework.

As Romania celebrates its National Day, it also reaffirms its commitment to progress, resilience, and global cooperation, with a focus on strengthening bilateral ties with nations like Pakistan.