An International Symposium “Romanian–Ukrainian Relations: History and Modernity” Took Place in Romania

On 28–29 November 2025, the XIII International Symposium “Romanian–Ukrainian Relations: History and Modernity” was held in the city of Satu Mare, Romania. The event was organized by the Satu Mare Branch of the Union of Ukrainians of Romania — an institution that serves as the voice, protection, and spiritual center of the Ukrainian community in the neighboring country. Among the partners that contributed to the organization and implementation of the symposium was the “Public Resources and Initiatives” Charity Foundation.

The International Symposium “Romanian–Ukrainian Relations: History and Modernity” has for many years been an important platform for academic and practical dialogue between the two countries. This year’s meeting once again brought together government officials, representatives of local authorities from Ukraine and Romania, and — importantly — scholars from various fields of the humanities: historians, political scientists, literary scholars, linguists, educators, ethnographers, cultural studies experts, as well as specialists in international relations and ethnopolitics.

Participants of the symposium were welcomed by the head of Satu Mare County, as well as representatives of the authorities of Zakarpattia and Chernivtsi regions. In his greeting, Mykhailo Pavliuk, Deputy Head of the Chernivtsi Regional Council, emphasized that Ukrainians value the support of their neighbors and strive to strengthen relations.
“Ukraine remains a candidate for EU membership,” he noted. “Our Constitution affirms the course toward NATO integration. Thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, we continue to resist Russian aggression, overcome challenges, work to meet membership criteria, and share the values of the Euro-Atlantic community. This is how the majority of Ukrainians think today.”
He also spoke about the work of local self-government under martial law and gave examples of cooperation at the central and regional levels. On the eve of Romania’s National Day, Mykhailo Pavliuk wished success to those present and prosperity to the entire Romanian nation.

The symposium served as an excellent platform for sharing best practices and building new cross-border partnerships. Within the round-table discussion “Intensifying Romanian–Ukrainian Relations in the Modern Context,” held as part of the symposium, five cooperation agreements were signed between Ukrainian territorial communities and Romanian communes.

The academic sessions of the symposium covered a wide range of relevant topics, including archaeology, history and international relations, ethnography and cultural heritage, linguistics, literary studies, and education.

The Vice President of the “Public Resources and Initiatives” Charity Foundation, Serhii Hakman, took part in the symposium and delivered an academic presentation. He also served as moderator of the session on history and international relations.

Ukrainian-Romanian relations continue to develop in the spirit of solidarity and progress — and our Foundation is proud to contribute to this process.

We express our sincere gratitude to the Union of Ukrainians of Romania, especially to its President and the Head of the Satu Mare Branch, Irina Liuba Horvat, for organizing this event and for her consistent efforts in strengthening Ukrainian-Romanian relations.

Україно-румунські відносини демонструють солідарність та поступ і наш Фонд робить у цьому процесі свій внесок.

Висловлюємо вдячність Союзу українців Румунії, зокрема його голові та голові Сатумарської філії Ірині Любі Горват за організацію заходу і послідовність у зміцненні українсько-румунських відносин!