NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pays a visit to the University of Bucharest and talks to the students
The event provided an important platform for student engagement, offering participants the opportunity to ask questions and explore their role in fostering a culture of security and civic responsibility.
Through direct dialogue with NATO leaders, students were encouraged to grasp the complexity of the current international context and to become actively involved in shaping their future as citizens of a united and resilient Europe.
University Rector Prof. Marian Preda emphasized the significance of Romania’s partnership with the North Atlantic Alliance and highlighted the academic community’s contribution to discussions on security, stability, and civic responsibility in a rapidly changing Europe.
Today, as Europe faces war and increasingly visible forms of authoritarianism, every investment in education - especially in higher education and research - is, in fact, an investment in societal resilience and in the defense of freedom and democracy." noted the rector.
The debate offered participants a comprehensive perspective on NATO’s efforts to strengthen its presence and response capabilities on the eastern flank, adapting to new geopolitical realities and emerging security challenges.
In his address, Secretary General Mark Rutte underscored the importance of solidarity among member states, defense investments, and strategic cooperation to maintain regional stability and peace.
Romania, a reliable NATO partner
Special attention was given to Romania’s role as a trusted ally within NATO, demonstrated through its contributions to allied missions and its active involvement in enhancing regional resilience. The dialogue also highlighted how academic, institutional, and civic partnerships can promote the democratic values and principles that underpin the Alliance.
In this context, Secretary General Rutte acknowledged Romania’s support for the Republic of Moldova in countering the growing prevalence of hybrid attacks:
NATO also supports these efforts, but what Romania is doing is extremely important. You saw the elections, they were as fair and open as possible thanks to your efforts, those of NATO and the EU", highlighted Mark Rutte.
The event reaffirmed the importance of the transatlantic partnership and Romania’s commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, and collective security. Education and international cooperation remain essential pillars of these values.
Through this open dialogue, the University of Bucharest reinforced its role as a space for critical reflection and youth development, offering students the chance to engage directly with the major issues shaping Europe’s present and future.
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