University of Bucharest Rallies Presidential Candidates to Defend Romania’s Euro-Atlantic Path in Historic Call for Democracy

On the 35th anniversary of the University Square Protests that galvanized Romania’s transition to democracy, the University of Bucharest has issued a renewed public appeal urging national and regional solidarity in defending democratic institutions, civic freedoms, and Romania’s Euro-Atlantic orientation.

The initiative, titled 'Call for a Democratic and Euro-Atlantic Romania', is a reminder of the historical and moral responsibilities that democratic societies bear - especially in Central and Eastern Europe, where the legacy of totalitarianism remains recent and its resurgence plausible:

In the troubled times we are living today we see once again how our blood-won freedom is threatened by the vectors of anti-democratic, authoritarian and dictatorial regimes built through populism, manipulation and hybrid war. A war waged from the ruins of the former communist regimes on the fertile soil of the inefficiency and incompetence of the Romanian political system, but also of the ignorance and discontent of certain segments of the population.

The University’s message, directed both at domestic political actors and the international community, underscores the urgent need for leaders to anchor political action in constitutional norms, historical memory, and a shared European future:

We strongly believe that the punishment of government inefficiency and social inequalities must take place exclusively within a democratic framework, based on values and norms. As all opinion polls show, a large majority of Romanians support Romania's continued membership of the European Union and NATO, the Strategic Partnership with the USA, as well as our country's firm Euro-Atlantic orientation, as it is clearly mentioned in Romania's Constitution”, states in the University’s public message.

The “Declaration from the University Balcony”, signed on April 24

Thus, in a move with deep symbolic and civic resonance, the University has invited all presidential candidates to sign a Declaration affirming their commitment to:

upholding democratic principles and the rule of law;
preserving the legacy of the 1989 Revolution;
ensuring justice for crimes of the communist era and post-revolutionary violence;
supporting academic freedom and civil society;
safeguarding Romania’s firm alignment with the EU, NATO, and the U.S. strategic partnership.

The signing took place at the original site of the 1990 University Square protests - the University Balcony - with 10 days before the first round of the presidential elections. Both finalists signed the document, but only of them did it in person. The other one sent it already signed, along with a video message.

Reinforcing Academic and Civic Anchors of Democracy

Over the last 35 years, Romanian society has sent out a clear message against a mode of governance and political practices that have consistently prevented genuine reform and full modernization of Romania.

The University of Bucharest, as one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in Eastern Europe, is leveraging its historical role to ensure that Romania’s democratic gains are not merely preserved but deepened through civic vigilance and political accountability. The initiative highlights the critical role of universities not only as spaces of knowledge but as institutional anchors of democracy, dialogue, and memory.

Find out more from the original story, in Romanian.

Latest Highlights:

"We have the opportunity to shape CIVIS 3 together", says the Secretary-General of CIVIS to the Associate Member Universities in Africa

UNIL, UofG and Makerere rethink breathing in a changing world with Exp-Air Lab, powered by CIVIS

The saltwater tolerance is what kept the dinosaur-eating giant crocodile alive, UT-led study reveals

aMU delves into the colonial history of Marseille aboard the Mars Imperium portal

Why do Spaniards feel lonely? A UAM-led study tells us