The Romanians Abroad Day
Romanian politicians from across the political spectrum praise the contribution of Romanians living and working abroad to the country’s positive image.
Corina Cristea, 27.05.2024, 14:00
“Ever since 2015, we have celebrated the Romanians Abroad Day every year on the last Sunday in May as a day dedicated to all Romanians, especially those living abroad. Wherever we may find ourselves, we are celebrating this day together, looking at what has been achieved and especially at what is still to be done so that we can feel better protected and more confident in a Romania that defends out rights and serves our best interests”, said president Klaus Iohannis in a statement, in which he also urged for the preservation of Romanian identity, language and traditions. He emphasised that the diaspora needed to remain a strong voice, to be heard both in Bucharest and in other capitals of the world.
“The respect for the rights and interests of the Romanian citizens abroad, the permanent dialogue and the promotion of historical and cultural values are constant lines of action in the work of Romanian diplomats”, said foreign minister Luminiţa Odobescu. In his statement, Senate speaker Nicolae Ciucă urged Romanians in the diaspora never to forget that they are Romanians and pass on their love of the country to their children. “The diaspora has a strong say in any discussion about the future of Romania. Romanians everywhere are part of the nation, no matter how far they are. I know they have Romania in their souls, wherever they are”, said Ciucă.
“Every Romanian who leaves Romania forever is a ‘failure’ for this country and not a reason to celebrate”, said prime minister Marcel Ciolacu. Attending an event hosted by the National Opera House to mark Romanians Abroad Day, he said he would sign an agreement in July for the Romanians living in Spain to be allowed to hold dual citizenship and said he was convinced Romania would fully join Schengen by the end of the year, after maritime and air checks were lifted in March.
The event at the Opera House was the last in a 3-day festival entitled “Here-There”, which was in its 7th year and brought together in Bucharest over 500 Romanians from the diaspora and historical communities, from 34 countries. Held under the patronage of the Romanian president, the festival featured a series of activities organised by the Department for Romanians Abroad in partnership with the Union of Fine Artists in Romania. The Department used the opportunity to call for the implementation of a law on the establishment of community centres in the diaspora, an important project meant to provide support for Romanian communities abroad.
