The year 2022 proved once again that this idea is an illusion. The war in Ukraine, triggered by Russia’s brutal invasion, amounts to a new beginning in history.
We are 100 years after a moment of glory. On 15 October 1922, King Ferdinand I and Queen Maria were crowned sovereigns of Greater Romania in Alba Iulia. At that time, Romania was one of the most respected European countries, with a Royal Family that was the main driving force behind the modernisation of the country.
A century later, not much has changed. This year, the Republic of Moldova received the status of a candidate state to join the European Union. The Romanian Royal Family may be one of the main drivers of Moldova’s European integration. It has already played this role for Romania, which joined the European Union in 2007. Romania would perhaps not have been accepted into the Union so quickly without the involvement of a huge historical figure: King Mihai I, who, half a century after his departure into exile, has put his immense international prestige at the service of his country. Now, the Royal Family of Romania is once again on duty for Moldova.
As at the end of the First World War, Romania’s main ally in the region is Poland. It is remarkable that both countries have similar interests, common friends and common enemies. Both Poland and Romania have distinguished themselves by their solidarity with millions of Ukrainian refugees and by the courage with which they decided to support the European integration of Ukraine and Moldova.
Already, Poland and Romania have mobilised significant political resources in support of this effort. But this support must go beyond declarations of support. Concrete steps need to be taken in areas such as the economic, cultural and academic fields. Moldova needs a different kind of European solidarity than Ukraine. Right now, Moldova needs investment that will create well-paid jobs and give hope to young people who want to stay at home.
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