May 9 and 10, celebrated under lockdown

May 9, a day rich in significance, this year was not celebrated by special ceremonies devoted to the proclamation of independence of 1877, the end of the Second World War or Europe Day. This year marking 70 years since the signing of Robert Schuman's Declaration, which laid the foundations of the European Union, May 9 was marked by means of messages calling for unity and solidarity in these difficult times. The European Union must emerge stronger from the COVID-19 crisis, the leaders of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission have said in a joint letter. European officials have warned that after the pandemic Europe will longer return to its previous state, nor should it. 

Only a strong Europe will be able to protect the common legacy and the economies of Member States. Solidarity and cohesion are key to the future of the European project, underlying the connection to the citizens' needs and expectations, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said in a public message marking Europe Day. The President pointed out we are experiencing the most difficult period after the end of the Second World War, which is testing our resilience, unity and humanity. Political leaders in Bucharest and MEPs have conveyed similar messages. May 10, also known as Royalty Day, celebrated as the National Day of Romania over 1866-1947, could not be celebrated this year either due to the state of emergency. On this day in 1866, Prince Carol I entered Bucharest, starting his 48-year-old rule. A year later, the Romanian Senate proclaimed Romania's independence from the Ottoman Empire. 

May 10 is also a day that hosted important events that led up to the creation of the Romanian modern state. This year the Royal House of Romania cancelled events devoted to this day due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Custodian of the Royal Crown, Margareta, said the Royal family is grateful to everyone celebrating the Royal House, our common history and our strive for liberty, progress and democracy. Her Majesty conveyed a message of hope and confidence to all Romanians celebrating May 10, despite the difficult context. In another move, several university professor from Cluj has called on the authorities to declare May 10 the National Day of Romania, based on the model of Poland, which has two national holidays, or of Hungary, which has three national holidays.

(Translated by V. Palcu)