Celebrating National Culture Day: Unity of Romanian Heritage

Dear colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen,

January 15, National Culture Day – which became a national holiday in 2010 at the proposal of the Romanian Academy – gives us the opportunity to reflect on our common destiny in a European and international context marked by uncertainties, conflicts, and geopolitical transformations. The Republic of Moldova continues its European path with determination in a complex environment, influenced by external factors that are difficult to control: the war in the immediate neighborhood, challenges arising from internal separatism, and the fragility of regional and global geopolitical balances. In this context, the Joint Declaration of the Romanian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova on December 30, 2025, reaffirms a fundamental idea: there is a sustainable and safe path to political unity – the spiritual, cultural, and scientific reunification of the Romanian people.

The experience of history demonstrates that great political achievements have been preceded by processes of cultural and intellectual consolidation. Cultural Romania asserted itself before political Romania, and this historical lesson remains relevant even today.

The Romanian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, institutions united by language, culture, and mission, have consistently chosen the strategy of tangible rapprochement, based on institutional cooperation, joint initiatives, commitment to historical truth, and the promotion of the authentic values of the Romanian people. Declaring 2025 as the “Year of Mihai Eminescu” represents not only a tribute to the National Poet but also a reaffirmation of the unity of language, culture, and destiny that defines us. Let us not forget that Eminescu always thought of his homeland (“What I wish for you, sweet Romania”), to which he destined a “great future”! Let us be worthy of this heritage, for the sake of our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren!

On this day of deep symbolic significance, we call upon the scientific and cultural communities in Romania and the Republic of Moldova to continue with dignity the process of spiritual, cultural, and scientific reunification, as the foundation of a stable unity. The success of this endeavor directly depends on our capacity to act together, placing truth, value, and competence above any administrative borders, political circumstances, or party or group interests.

The accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union is a legitimate and necessary goal. However, the reunification of the Romanian people remains an ideal that depends on all of us, citizens of the Romanian space not divided by forcibly imposed borders, and it can be achieved through shared will, solidarity, and loyalty to historical truth. The de facto disappearance of the artificial border along the Prut River will be the natural result of this real rapprochement, built through education, science, and culture.

We express our hope that the echoes of this Appeal, like the resonance of the joint Declaration of the two Academies on December 30, 2025 – described by political analyst and historian Anatol Țăranu as a “Manifesto of Identity” – will contribute to the adoption of correct decisions by the political authorities of Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

Adopted on January 15, 2026, on the occasion of the joint festive session dedicated to National Culture Day.

Acad. Ioan-Aurel POP, President of the Romanian Academy

Acad. Ion TIGHINEANU, President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova