Reception on Romania's National Day in Chisinau: messages of unity and resilience from both sides of Prut River

The Romanian Embassy in Chisinau hosted a reception on Wednesday evening dedicated to Romania's National Day, celebrated annually on 1 December. The event brought together officials from the Republic of Moldova, representatives of the diplomatic staff and the academic and cultural environment in a festive setting where the common values and deep ties between the two states were highlighted. Romania's Ambassador to Chisinau Cristian-Leon Țurcanu reiterated Bucharest's support for the European path of the Republic of Moldova. President Maia Sandu emphasized the relevance of the values that were the foundation of the Great Union.

Romanian Ambassador Cristian-Leon Țurcanu: We, all the people on both sides of the Prut have the duty to defend the truth together

In his speech, Romania's ambassador Cristian-Leon Țurcanu highlighted the importance of celebrating the Great Union Day “on this bank of the Prut,” for the fourth consecutive year. He spoke about the regional context marked by the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine, but also about the maturity and resilience shown by the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, who “have chosen peace, prosperity, and European civilization.”


“It is a great honor to celebrate for the fourth time the Great Union Day, the day of all Romanians on this bank of the Prut here in Chisinau. It's been four years in which Russia has been waging a fierce war against the freedoms of the Ukrainian people who choose their own direction, but also four years in which the citizens on this bank of the Prut have chosen peace, prosperity, European civilization, have chosen freedom, a safe life, and the chance to raise their children in harmony with the confidence that dreams can be fulfilled through work and dedication, they have chosen a better life in the great European family,” said the Romanian ambassador.




The diplomat reiterated Romania's firm and consistent support for the European course of the Republic of Moldova, stating that the investment in the common future is measured in time, resources, and trust in people and ideas.


“We, all the people on both sides of the Prut have the duty to defend the truth together, as the truth is today our most precious resource, it is our weapon against manipulation, disinformation, and falsified history. Now, looking with pride and satisfaction at everything we have managed to accomplish together with effort and work and sacrifices, we look with confidence and clarity towards the future. We, Romania, invest in our common future, investing time, money, and trust in people and ideas,” stated Țurcanu.


President Maia Sandu: I urge you to rise to the height of the Great Union generation through the courage to protect and consolidate what they achieved

President Maia Sandu, present at the reception, emphasized the historical significance of 1 December 1918, and the current relevance of the values that were the foundation of the Great Union: peace, freedom, and democracy. The head of state warned about the dangers generated by the war in Ukraine and hybrid attacks aimed at weakening democratic societies, stressing that in the face of these challenges, Romania and the Republic of Moldova could rely on each other.


“We live under the pressure of Russia's brutal war in Ukraine, the consequences of which – as we saw yesterday – reach our villages and households. In the Republic of Moldova, in Romania, and across Europe, we are subjected to hybrid attacks meant to weaken and divide us. In the face of these unprecedented dangers, it is important that we were able to rely on each other, helping each other, as it is natural between brothers,” said the president.






At the same time, Maia Sandu highlighted the role of joint projects – infrastructure, energy, and economic development – in strengthening the resilience of both banks of the Prut.


“We will be able to better defend our resilience only by continuing the projects that connect the two banks of the Prut: road and rail infrastructure, bridges, energy connections. Projects that would not be possible without the support and generosity of Romania, for which we are grateful – as we are grateful for all the help we receive from Bucharest, which has always been there for us in difficult moments we have gone through,” specified the president.


Maia Sandu emphasized that today's generations must fiercely protect the historical legacy and pass on to their descendants a Romanian space where freedom, dignity, and national values are fully respected.


“Our duty is to honor through actions the efforts and sacrifices of those who made the historic decision of December 1, 1918 possible. To fiercely defend their legacy, so that we too, in turn, leave our children and grandchildren a Romanian space in which they can live freely, with dignity, and with respect for national values. Therefore, I urge you to rise to the height of the Great Union generation not only through carefully chosen words at a festive hour but through the courage to protect and consolidate what they have achieved,” said the president.


Romania's National Day, a symbol of unity, freedom and dignity

Romania's National Day, celebrated annually on 1 December commemorates the historical moment of the Great National Assembly in Alba Iulia in 1918, when the union of Transylvania, Banat, Crișana, and Maramureș with Romania was decided. Considered the fulfillment of a centuries-old national ideal, this day symbolizes the unity, freedom, and dignity of the Romanian people. December 1st became a national holiday in 1990, succeeding other moments previously celebrated as days of the Romanian state.

Every year, Romania marks this day with military ceremonies and cultural events that honor the heroism and sacrifice of generations that contributed to the creation of Modern Romania. In Bucharest and in major cities, the central point is the military parade, accompanied by troop marches, presentation of equipment, and aircraft flyovers. Authorities organize wreath-laying ceremonies, solemn moments, and events dedicated to Romanian values and traditions, while cultural institutions schedule exhibitions, concerts, and thematic performances.

Beyond the borders, Romanian communities also mark 1 December with emotion, through receptions, festive meetings, and cultural activities.