Thousands of people are expected to gather in a rally in support Romania’s place in the European Union and NATO amid fears that an upcoming presidential election may derail the country from its pro-EU path.
The “Manifesto for Europe” which is organizing the demonstration is supported by over 40 civic organizations in Romania and abroad and thousands from the fields of culture, education, sports and, business, as well as retirees and students.
Signatories believe that “the European Union is the destiny of our children.” “We have no right to steal this destiny from them“, the manifesto reads.
The ‘Manifesto for Europe’ will be sent to pro-European parties in the Romanian Parliament, the Government, the Presidential Administration, the European Parliament and the European Commission.
The document will be read out loud at the “EuRo Manifest” rally on Saturday outside the government offices in Victory Square, Bucharest. “EuRo Manifest” rallies will also take place in Timisoara, Oradea, Brasov, Brussels, London, Dublin, and on March 16 also in Cluj-Napoca
.Oana Gheorghiu, co-founder of the Give Life Association, stresses the importance of civic involvement and solidarity to protect Romania’s European future: “We have built hospitals, we have changed laws, we have learned to fight against a system that has told us countless times that it is not possible. And yet, it was possible. Each time, the key was involvement. The people who chose not to stand aside. So yes, I think we have to be there. (…) See you at the Pro Europa Rally. I’ll be there. Because it’s my business too. And yours”
Declic Community: “It is increasingly heard that Romania should look for another way, an “authentic”, “sovereign” one. Translation: isolation, poverty, fear. We say clearly, together with the other signatories of the manifesto: Romania is and must remain in Europe!”
Mihaela Miroiu, member of the Europaea Academy: “Being a citizen of the United Europe is all I wanted politically, civically and culturally. I can’t conceive of my life any other way. ”
Maria Răducanu, a musician, has a strong message: “I don’t want to go back to communism and I don’t want to feed fascism.”
Mihai Călin, actor: “For me, Europe means freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of movement, it means prosperity, development and peace. …) Of course there are problems, of course we could have been more, Romania, than we are at the moment. But outside Europe, we don’t exist.”
The manifesto, written by the writer Radu Vancu, emphasizes that: “The Romania we leave to our children must be at least as good as the Romania we received. Not a dictatorship. Not an autocracy. Not an illiberal regime. It is a democracy: imperfect, but perfectible.”
What does the Manifesto say?
✅ The European Union is Romania’s destiny.
✅ The last 18 years have been the most prosperous, dignified and free in our history.
✅ European funds have transformed Romania: schools, hospitals, roads, infrastructure – all made possible thanks to EU support.
✅ The EU is a guarantor of democracy, freedom and the rule of law.
Statements by the signatories:
Marian Preda, rector of the University of Bucharest: ” For the professors, researchers and students of the University of Bucharest, a member of the CIVIS Alliance along with 10 other elite European universities, Europe is the space to which we belong both historically and geographically, as well as culturally and institutionally. Most of our colleagues and academic partners come from the European educational and research space, where we find ourselves through most of our study, research or civic action programmes.
As a professor and researcher, but also as an informed and responsible citizen, I go to the pro-Europe rally to defend the institutional interests and values of my University, which have always been subsumed to the national interests of Romania and of the majority of Romanians. I support Romania’s European future, because I want the University of Bucharest to remain a modern and democratic university, a European university, a university for Romania’s free and well-educated future generations.”
Oana Gheorghiu, co-founder of the Give Life Association:
“I have always wanted to live in a European Romania, where everyone’s freedom, dignity and rights are respected. We thought that our path was clear, that we had left behind the times when we had to fight for fundamental things. But today’s reality shows us that nothing is guaranteed if we don’t take care of it.
We have built hospitals, we have changed laws, we have learned to fight against a system that has told us countless times that it is not possible. And yet, it was possible. Each time, the key was involvement. The people who chose not to stand aside. So yes, I think we have to be there. Let’s show that we care, that we are many, that we don’t let anyone steal our future. Because silence and inaction are the best ally of those who would like us to go back to a past from which we have fled.”
Declic Community:
“It is increasingly heard that Romania should look for another way, an “authentic”, “sovereign” one. Translation: isolation, poverty, fear. We say clearly, together with the other signatories of the manifesto: Romania is and must remain in Europe! It is an alarm signal: our European future is not guaranteed, it must be defended! Without the EU, we have no security, no strong economy or no protected rights. The ‘sovereignty’ that some sell us is just a dangerous illusion.”
Maria Răducanu, musician:
“I don’t want to go back to communism and I don’t want to feed fascism.”
Mihaela Miroiu, member of the Academia Europaea:
“The European twentieth century has reached a peak of misfortunes derived from fragmentation and adversity: two world wars, two totalitarianisms – fascism and communism, plus a Cold War. Our minds came to mind with the brightest plan: the creation and expansion of the European Union.
We have fully benefited from the peaceful, wise and democratic part of the EU’s history. It is time to reward this great gift of history and to become an active part of strengthening the cradle of people’s freedoms and rights. I believe that the great trials have matured us enough to put an end to the whims and outbursts of “frustrated victims” and to behave like dignified and responsible adults in our common homeland.”
Mihai Călin, actor:
“For me, Europe means freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of movement, it means prosperity, development and peace. It means feeling part of the European family. It means tremendous opportunities for everyone. Of course there are problems, of course we could have been more, Romania, than we are at the moment. But outside Europe we don’t exist.”
Corruption kills: “We have always fought for civil rights and a genuine rule of law. History has taught us how easily they can be lost, so we refuse to leave Romania’s future in the hands of those who want to isolate us. Europe is the space of our freedom, and on March 15 we will see each other in Victory Square to defend it. Romania is Europe!”
Supporters are invited to sign here and pass on the message! Here’s who else signed: Signatories of the Manifesto
