Romania's National Day celebrated in Bucharest with military parade

Romania celebrates National Day with a military parade and exhibition of military equipment. The capital, Bucharest, becomes the center of official ceremonies, hosting a series of military and cultural events. December 1st commemorates the historic event of the Great Union of 1918, which gave the Romanian people the chance to live united in peace, freedom, and democracy, mentioned President Maia Sandu.

Maia Sandu's gratitude to the Romanian people: "They have always been by our side during the difficult moments we've faced"

President Maia Sandu expressed gratitude to the Romanian people for the support and generosity provided to the Republic of Moldova in its development and modernization process on the path of joining the European Union. With Romania's support, projects in the Republic of Moldova are being implemented to connect to European infrastructure and the energy system:


"Projects that would not be possible without Romania's support and generosity, for which we are grateful – as we are grateful for all the help we receive from Bucharest, who have always been by our side during the difficult moments we have faced," the head of state mentioned during a speech at the Reception offered by the Romanian Embassy on the occasion of marking, on December 1st, the National Day of Romanians.




The president reiterated that the Republic of Moldova lives under the pressure of Russia's brutal war in Ukraine and, during this difficult time, it could count on Romania. Maia Sandu reminded of the values of the Great Union of 1918 and urged society to defend this heritage.


"In this complicated context, it is our duty to honor through deeds the efforts and sacrifices of those who made the historic decision on December 1, 1918, possible. To fiercely defend their legacy, so that we, in turn, can leave our children and grandchildren a Romanian space where they can live freely, with dignity, and with respect for national values. Therefore, I urge you to rise to the level of the generation of the Great Union not only with chosen words at the time of celebration but through the courage to protect and consolidate what they have achieved. Happy Birthday, Romania!", declared Maia Sandu.


Romania supports the Government in Chisinau. Cristian-Leon Țurcanu: "Our common agenda is a very complex one"

Romania remains the most active and vocal supporter of the Republic of Moldova at the European level, and this will not change. Thanks to its own merits, the Republic of Moldova is ready to begin accession negotiations on clusters 1, 2, and 6, and Bucharest supports advancing as quickly as possible on this component. The statements were made by His Excellency Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Moldova, in an exclusive interview for the MOLDPRES Agency.


"Advancing the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova is a central foreign policy objective for Romania, and we will continue to work to achieve it in full cooperation and coordination with the new government of the Republic of Moldova. The integration process is a very complex one, so Romania's support for sustainably going through the stages of this process remains as firm as possible. Because the European integration of the Republic of Moldova represents the best guarantee of security and prosperity for its citizens. At the same time, it is a fulfillment of the bilateral strategic partnership and a culmination of many years of diplomatic activity both for the Republic of Moldova and for Romania," stated Cristian-Leon Țurcanu.




Cristian-Leon Țurcanu emphasized that Romania is ready to support the new government in Chisinau by continuing and expanding experience exchange projects and advancing interconnections in the fields of transport and energy, designed to bring the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union and the Common Market.


"Our common agenda is a very complex, dynamic one, comprising projects and a dialogue at the level of all central institutions. Economic development is an important objective, and very good cooperation prospects exist to favor achieving this goal. Romania is the most important commercial partner of the Republic of Moldova, and economic ties are extremely well defined. Romania's investment presence in the Republic of Moldova amounts to hundreds of millions of euros, being a driver of economic growth," highlighted the Romanian ambassador.


Republic of Moldova – Romania, over three decades of diplomatic relations

Romania was one of the first states to recognize the Republic of Moldova, just a few hours after the proclamation of independence (August 27, 1991). Diplomatic relations, at the embassy level, were established on August 29, 1991. The Romanian Embassy was the first diplomatic representation opened by a state in the capital of Moldova (commenced operations on January 20, 1992).

Since 2014, Romania has been the main commercial partner of Moldova.

In the more than 30 years since the establishment of bilateral relations, with Romania's help, several large-scale strategic projects have been implemented in Moldova, including the construction of the Iasi-Chisinau gas pipeline, the renovation of kindergartens and cultural buildings, and the creation of the SMURD program. Romania has supported the Republic of Moldova in overcoming the energy crisis and is currently conducting projects to connect to European infrastructure and energy systems.

In 2025, authorities in the field of internal affairs from both countries agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in security, including through legislative and institutional coordination, to face regional threats.

Romania's National Day Celebrated in Bucharest with a Military Parade

Events dedicated to Romania's National Day begin at 09:00 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Carol I Park with a military and religious wreath-laying ceremony in memory of the Romanian heroes who sacrificed their lives to fulfill national ideals.

At 11:00, a military parade will take place at the Arc de Triomphe in Bucharest, with over 2,900 soldiers and 220 pieces of equipment (of which 60 will be in a static exhibition) and 45 aircraft.



According to the Ministry of National Defense, alongside Romanian soldiers, this year will also see the participation of 240 foreign soldiers in detachments from France, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the USA, as well as soldiers from allied countries contributing to NATO structures on Romanian territory.

The events will conclude with a torch retreat by the soldiers of the 30th Guard Brigade "Mihai Viteazul" starting at 19:00.


	
The National History Museum of Romania will be open to the public between 09:00 and 17:00, with free access, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the permanent collections.
	
The Map Museum in the capital will welcome visitors between 10:00 and 18:00, following its usual schedule, and will provide free access to all those interested in Romania's cartographic heritage.
	
The National Museum of Art of Romania will allow visiting of the permanent galleries and three temporary exhibitions dedicated to the National Day so that the public enjoys a varied cultural program throughout the day.


The significance of December 1st

December 1st was proclaimed as Romania's National Day in 1990 and was marked for the first time in the same year in Alba Iulia. Since then, every year, both in Bucharest and in most cities across the country, military parades and numerous ceremonies, including wreath-laying, take place.



Romania's National Day is linked to the historical event of December 1, 1918 – the Union of Transylvania, Banat, Crișana, and Maramureș with Romania, the Proclamation of Alba Iulia. The event crowns the Romanians' struggle for National Unity and marks the moment of the creation of Greater Romania, following previous unionist actions in Bessarabia (March 27, 1918) and Bukovina (November 15/28, 1918).