Romanian President Hails Greek as Foundation of Democracy

Romanian President Nicușor Dan praised the Greek language for its pivotal role in shaping European cultural heritage, philosophy, sciences, and arts, as well as affirming Romania’s identity as a modern, democratic European state.

He delivered his message to Dragos Gabriel Zisopoulos, a Greek minority member of the Romanian Parliament, in honour of International Greek Language Day today February 9.

President Dan stated, “Greek forms the foundation upon which philosophy, sciences, arts, and political concepts that underpin modern democracies were built. It shaped thinking on freedom, dignity, the rule of law, and civic responsibility for the common good, peace, and prosperity.”

He highlighted the language’s enduring significance, especially as democracies face renewed extremism and value crises. “Celebrating Greek as the mother language of modernity and European identity reaffirms Romania’s commitment to unity through diversity, collective memory, and cultural dialogue,” he added.

The message was shared by the Greek Embassy in Bucharest and will be read at an event organised by the Embassy, the Union of Greeks in Romania, and the Department of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Bucharest. The ceremony will take place in the Romanian Academy’s ceremonial hall, with distinguished Hellenist Professor Tudor Dinu delivering the keynote on “The Role of Dedicated Monasteries in Replacing Church Slavonic with Greek in the Danubian Principalities.”

Representatives from the Romanian Parliament, Ministry of Education and Culture, students, and members of the Greek community are expected to attend the event.