Saturday , February 8 2025

Interview with H.E. the Ambassador of the Republic of Romania, Carmen-Ileana Mihălcescu

 

 

 

“I consider myself fortunate to be an Ambassador in Greece, a country with which Romania shares deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties…

I strongly believe that we should constantly encourage the collaboration and joint actions between the Romanian and Greek communities, as they are bridges between our countries…

As both Romania and Greece face multidimensional regional challenges, I believe that the best answer to different crises is to double our efforts toward interconnectivity and this is an area that I am keen to work for, as a priority during my mandate.”

 

 

GDL: How would you describe the current state of diplomatic relations between Romania and Greece? Are there any significant occasions to mention in recent years?

CIM: I am honoured to work for my country in Greece, with which we enjoy excellent bilateral relations.

From the high-level political dialogue, I would just mention recent landmarks such as: the meetings of H.E. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with the Romanian President and Prime Minister, in the margins of the EPP Congress in Bucharest, in March 2024; the two meetings between our Prime Ministers in 2023 (one in Athens and one in Varna, on the occasion of the trilateral meeting with our common neighbour Bulgaria); the visit of the Romanian President to Athens in December 2022. The list goes on with many more interactions at ministerial and parliamentary levels. As you can notice, high level contacts, which are so important for the dynamics of the bilateral relations, have continued in an intense rhythm even though Romania has been focused on a “super-electoral year” in 2024 and Greece had its own parliamentary and regional elections during the previous year.

 

“I am fully committed to expanding the Romanian cultural presence in Greece and I hope that one of the most important projects, the opening of a Romanian cultural institute in Athens will soon become a reality, especially as in 2025 we celebrate 145 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Greece.”

 

GDL: Romania and Greece share a rich cultural history. How do you think this cultural connection impacts the bilateral relationship and what initiatives are in place to strengthen it?

CIM: I consider myself fortunate to be an Ambassador in Greece, a country with which Romania shares deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties. Our bilateral cooperation in these fields has been traditionally excellent, as our countries belong to the same region, promoting similar interests, which fostered a common understanding of realities. One of the most important links between us is the adherence of the majority of Greeks and Romanians to the Christian Orthodox faith, which is part of our DNA, as nations attached to their ancestral spiritual roots. 

The interactions between our artists are very dynamic, just like the Romanian presence and participation in festivals frequently organised in Greece, ranging from music, poetry to film, that is more and more active. Just to illustrate with the most important and recent ones: Romania has been the guest of honour at the Patras International Poetry Festival (19-22 September 2024); the internationally acclaimed film director Radu Jude, one of the most prominent representatives of the Romanian contemporary cinema, had a retrospective within the 13th edition of the Avant-Garde Film Festival (Athens, 5-16 December 2024). Romania is also a constant presence at the International Book Fair in Thessaloniki. Moreover, there are multiple cultural events organised by the thriving Romanian community living in Greece; just to mention one, I would think of the celebration of the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse “IA”, which took place last year in Syntagma Square, on 16 June 2024. There is also a very good cooperation between our Embassy and the Greek cultural institutions, as well as with the Hellenic Union of Romania, and last but not least, within the framework of La Francophonie.

As I am in the early days of my mandate in Athens, I am fully committed to expanding the Romanian cultural presence in Greece and I hope that one of the most important projects, the opening of a Romanian cultural institute in Athens will soon become a reality, especially as in 2025 we celebrate 145 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Greece.

 

“Our shared interest toward increasing security, stability and prosperity in the broader region, fostered a strong sense of coordination in all fields and on all matters on the EU agenda that are of interest for both Romania and Greece.”

 

GDL: How do Romania and Greece work together within the European Union, particularly on issues such as migration, energy security and regional development?

CIM: Romania and Greece share a very good and close cooperation within the European Union. There is a broad degree of convergence between our countries on a large number of European issues, such as the enlargement policy, crisis management, energy security and social cohesion. As parts of the same region and active members of many regional cooperation formats and fora, our countries have a high degree of understanding of each other’s sensitivities and have constantly shown a tremendous mutual solidarity in matters of crisis. Our shared interest toward increasing security, stability and prosperity in the broader region, fostered a strong sense of coordination in all fields and on all matters on the EU agenda that are of interest for both Romania and Greece. For instance, on migration, the protection of our borders – that are also external borders of the EU – is a major undertaking for our authorities, and both Romania and Greece support the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Going on, regarding energy security, both Romania and Greece are supporting Ukraine and other countries in our immediate neighbourhood, such as the Republic of Moldova and the partners in the Balkans, to face the consequences of the brutal war Russia conducts against Ukraine, including though increasing the interconnections between us.    

I seize this opportunity to reiterate our gratitude for the active support Greece has constantly shown to our full accession into the Schengen area, a milestone that was achieved starting with 1 January 2025; the accession of both Romania and Bulgaria to the European free movement area is a big success for Greece too, as your country gains access to Land Schengen as well.     

GDL: How should Romania and Greece coordinate their approach with regard to the stability and development of the Balkans?

CIM: Ensuring stability and prosperity in the Balkan region is of common interest for our countries.

Both Romania and Greece share the view that the EU accession is a key instrument to project stability, peace and security in Europe. Therefore, we pay utmost attention to the continuation of the current positive dynamic of the enlargement process, with our Western Balkans partners, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, on the basis of the partners’ merits. Such an approach should lead to the implementation of irreversible reform in all areas, which is especially important as part of a consistent European response to the current geopolitical context still marked by Russia’s brutal war.

Moreover, our countries actively participate in many regional cooperation fora, such as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organisation (BSEC), South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), Energy Community and Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) among others, promoting projects that contribute to ensuring a regional and international security climate and the improvement of the people’s life.

There is also a very good cooperation between Romanian and Greek military troops within operations and missions carried out under the aegis of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the region, among which I highlight EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Romania started to exercise its command on 1 January 2025, being the most important contributor in term of troops to this operation. 

 

“Strengthening Romania’s role within the European Union is one of the three fundamental pillars of Romanian foreign policy, together with strengthening Romania’s profile in NATO and consolidating the strategic partnership with the USA, all of which enjoy a consensual approach at the domestic level.”

 

GDL: How does Romania perceive its role within the European Union, particularly concerning geopolitical challenges and regional stability?

CIM: Strengthening Romania’s role within the European Union is one of the three fundamental pillars of Romanian foreign policy, together with strengthening Romania’s profile in NATO and consolidating the strategic partnership with the USA, all of which enjoy a consensual approach at the domestic level.

As you well know, Romania joined the EU in 2007. During its 18 years of EU membership, Romania has been actively supporting the strengthening of the European project and of the level of cohesion and unity among the EU Member States.

Within the context of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Romania, which shares a 650 km long border with Ukraine, has been providing consistent and persistent multidimensional support to its neighbour, and will continue to do for as long as it takes. Moreover, Romania has been a vocal and firm advocate of a substantial EU package of commitments in support of Ukraine, as well as of all the EU sanctions regimes against the actors involved in the Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Our assistance and advocacy at EU level have been directed also towards the Republic of Moldova, as one of the most affected countries by the Russian war in Ukraine, to increase its resilience against Russia’s multiple pressures. 

I would like to also mention that, through its latest major achievement, the full accession to the Schengen Area, Romania will make a fundamental contribution to the modernisation of the Schengen acquis, so that it becomes stronger and more resilient in the context of the challenges and threats that may rise at the external borders of the EU.

GDL: What are Romania’s main priorities in terms of defence and security within the context of the broader European and NATO framework?

CIM: Romania stands ready to continue to play the role of a responsible partner and Ally in terms of strengthening security in the Black Sea area and fulfilling all of our responsibilities. The Allies’ appreciation and solidarity for our country are proofs that communication, openness and immersion in the Euro-Atlantic integration process are instruments for peace, stability and development.

Romania contributes to all EU military missions and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operations. For us, the priority areas in ensuring peace and stability are the Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans. However, we also contribute to promoting security in the Southern Neighbourhood, understanding the need to address security threats and challenges with a 360-degree approach. By allocating 2.5% of its GDP to defence in 2023 and 2024, Romania is among the two-thirds of Allies that currently meet this commitment. This financial commitment is crucial for Romania’s contribution to NATO’s efforts in consolidating its posture, ensuring credible responses to threats, and modernising collective defence. For Romania, ensuring a comprehensive NATO vision in the Black Sea region is critical, as we remain firmly committed to playing a responsible role in ensuring Black Sea security while fulfilling all international responsibilities as a NATO member and continuing to be an active contributor to NATO operations, including KFOR in the Balkans, the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) and NATO’s permanent naval task forces. Equally important is maintaining a coherent vision for Forward Defence along the entire Eastern Flank. Additionally, Romania is strengthening NATO’s collective posture on the Eastern Flank, with key contributions in Poland and participation in air defence missions in the Baltic States. Romania is also set to support NATO Battle Groups in Bulgaria and Slovakia in 2025.

 

“The Allies’ appreciation and solidarity for our country are proofs that communication, openness and immersion in the Euro-Atlantic integration process are instruments for peace, stability and development.”

 

GDL: The war in Ukraine has had significant and multifaceted consequences for Romania. As a neighbouring country to Ukraine, Romania has been deeply impacted by the ongoing conflict, both directly and indirectly. How do you cope with the dire consequences of trade, energy and agricultural disruptions? 

CIM: Despite our own emerging issues, Romania has been from day one a steadfast supporter of Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom to choose its own future among free nations and away from Russia’s sphere of influence. I would like to stress here that Romania is bound with Greece through the strong support our countries share for the international rules-based order and by the absolute adherence to the principles inscribed in the International Law.

The Romanian multidimensional practical support to our neighbour includes sheltering refugees, providing them with various opportunities on the job market, supporting Ukraine’s economy through our essential role on the transit corridors for the grain export to destinations worldwide, offering and channelling humanitarian assistance though the humanitarian hub in our Northern city of Suceava, established in March 2022, and the list

goes on. As we understand the effects that the war may have on different people, I can tell you that Romania has always been doing its utmost to assist Ukraine though various means and without interruptions for almost three years since the Russia’s brutal invasion and our people has generally, with very few exceptions, showed remarkable resilience and empathy toward the suffering of our neighbours and the formidable provocations they face. 

GDL: In your opinion, should the EU as a whole accumulate more funds, not only for security, but also, to counterbalance the huge increase in the cost of living so social cohesion will not be jeopardised and populist phenomena will not thrive?

CIM: In our opinion, the EU should use a wide array of tools in order to fight back against the effects of disinformation and hybrid attacks and to consolidate the resilience of European democracies, aiming at a whole-of-society approach, as Russia is currently leading an unprecedented hybrid offensive, meant to destabilise EU Member States and other like-minded partners. Despite the increasing challenges, we must reassure our peoples that giving in to populists is simply not an option.

GDL: What are the key sectors where Romania and Greece collaborate economically? Which are the emerging opportunities for investment and trade that the two countries should focus upon?

CIM: Greece is one of the most active investors in Romania, in various fields of the economy. Greek companies have significantly contributed, over time, to strengthening the Romanian economy, through major investments in sectors such as energy, food industry and industry in general, energy, construction and building materials, retail, distribution channels, transportation, infrastructure, warehousing, banking, insurance and telecommunications.

According to the Romanian Trade Registry Office, over 8,700 Greek companies were registered in Romania since 1990, with investments of more than 3,08 billion euro (7th place). The value of the direct Romanian investments in Greece in 2023 was 75 million euro, representing 1.14% of the total of 6,595 billion euro of direct investments of Romanian residents abroad. (Source: National Bank of Romania).

We are interested in an increased presence of Greek investors in Romania. We hope that Romania’s constant economic growth in the last period, along with the opportunities it provides, will convince more entrepreneurs from Greece to see it as an attractive destination for their activities. At the same time, we encourage the Romanian companies to consider the investment opportunities in Greece.

Energy, as a key sector of common interest, has a strategic importance for the region, in order to achieve the diversification of gas supplies and increased security of supply. Together with our Greek partners, we share the view that energy security should be further strengthened, at both European and regional level. Gas interconectors between our states (including the Vertical Corridor and Greece-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector) are essential for the overall European energy security infrastructure and contributors to the implementation of the Energy Union.

 

“We are interested in an increased presence of Greek investors in Romania. We hope that Romania’s constant economic growth in the last period, along with the opportunities it provides, will convince more entrepreneurs from Greece to see it as an attractive destination for their activities. At the same time, we encourage the Romanian companies to consider the investment opportunities in Greece.”

 

GDL: Given the significance of tourism for both Romania and Greece, what steps are being taken to promote tourism exchanges between the two countries?

CIM: According to the bilateral Agreement concluded between Romania and Greece in 1993, our countries support closer cooperation between their official tourism bodies and mutual tourism promotion. Every year, around one million Romanian tourists enjoy Greece. The number of Greek tourists in Romania is smaller, so there is always potential to develop these exchanges. Personally, and together with my team, we will do our best to facilitate and further increase discovery and rediscovery of the rich touristic offer of our country.

On a European level, I think it is important to mention that Romania joined the Greek initiative on “Building a European Tourism Strategy for the period 2021-2027”, meant to channel the Member States efforts to implement National Recovery and Resilience Plans coherently, also in this area.

GDL: There is a significant Romanian community in Greece. How does the Romanian Embassy support the Romanian diaspora here and how do they contribute to the strengthening of bilateral ties?

CIM: In spite of its decrease in terms of numbers in recent years, the Romanian community in Greece is a very dynamic one. With a professional team at the consular section and with the support of the counsellor for labour and social affairs, of the network of three Honorary Consuls of Romania in Greece (based in Heraklion, Patra and Corfu) and of our Consulate General in Thessaloniki, we have managed, so far, to efficiently respond to the requests of Romanians living and working in Greece.

There is also a very close cooperation of the Embassy of Romania in Athens with all the Romanian associations active in Greece, and we strongly encourage them to (co-)organise a multitude of cultural events, as well as weekend schools of Romanian language and culture, geared especially for the youth within our community, and thus contributing to the preservation of their national identity, traditions and roots.

At the same time, our Embassy is privileged to benefit from a close relationship with the Hellenic Union of Romania, which represents the Greek national minority officially recognised by the Romanian State and has a representative in our Parliament, with whom I have a close cooperation. Therefore, I strongly believe that we should constantly encourage the collaboration and joint actions between the Romanian and Greek communities, as they are bridges between our countries.  

GDL: What are your hopes and plans for the future of Romania-Greece relations, what are the key challenges in the Romania-Greece relationship and how is the Embassy working to address them?

CIM: As both Romania and Greece face multidimensional regional challenges, I believe that the best answer to different crises is to double our efforts toward interconnectivity and this is an area that I am keen to work for, as a priority during my mandate. I believe that by working toward establishing more interconnections between us, we will be able to enjoy reduced energy prices, as we completely get rid of the energy coming from Russia, increase development, prosperity and competitivity.

We are also keen to increase our cooperation in international organisations as our countries share a strong support for the international rules-based order and the priority of International Law in international relations. This is even more relevant as we speak, as Greece has just taken over its two years mandate as non-permanent Member of the UN Security Council.

 

Interview by Nicolas Boutsicos
Editor, Greek Diplomatic Life

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