On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the University of Bucharest hosted a special conference to celebrate Franco-German Day and the anniversary of the Élysée Treaty, originally signed on January 22, 1963. The discussion focused on the importance of Franco-German friendship for the European project, the challenges the European Union is facing in the current regional geopolitical context, and the critical role of ambassadors during these times.
The event took place in the „Ioan Mihăilescu” Amphitheater at the UB Rectorate and was organized in collaboration with the French and German Embassies in Romania, with support from the French Institute in Romania and the „Goethe” Institute in Romania. It offered students and faculty from the University of Bucharest an opportunity to directly engage with the ambassadors of both nations.
The conference included speeches by Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest, H.E. Mr. Nicolas Warnery, Ambassador of France to Romania, and H.E. Dr. Peer Gebauer, Ambassador of Germany to Romania. The event began with opening remarks from Associate Professor Constantin Vică, PhD, Vice-Rector Internationalization and Public Relations at the University of Bucharest and faculty member at the Faculty of Philosophy.
The event was moderated by Associate Professor Sorin Costreie, PhD, President of the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe – UNICA, CIVIS Alliance coordinator at the University of Bucharest, and faculty member at the Faculty of Philosophy, alongside Professor Romiță Iucu, PhD, President of the University’s Board of Trustees, UB Representative in the Steering Committee and CIVIS Educational Council, and faculty member at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences.
In his speech, H.E. Mr. Nicolas Warnery, Ambassador of France to Romania, emphasized France and Germany’s crucial role in advancing European integration, drawing on the historical example of reconciliation between the two nations. H.E. highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges such as the green and digital transitions and underlined the need for European solidarity in the face of geopolitical tensions. Additionally, he stressed the deep ties between France and Romania, rooted in shared values and strategic partnerships, and encouraged students to become advocates of European integration.
H.E. Dr. Peer Gebauer, Ambassador of Germany to Romania, addressed the security challenges Europe is facing, underlining Germany’s commitment to supporting Central and Eastern European countries. He also pointed out the significance of education and academic exchanges, such as those facilitated by Erasmus+ programs, in fostering a new generation ready to collaborate for a united and prosperous European future.
The Opportunities of Today’s Europe: Enabled by the Élysée Treaty
Both ambassadors agreed on the vital role of Franco-German reconciliation as a model of successful European diplomacy. They also emphasized the importance of extending this cooperation across the European Union to tackle economic, social, and security crises.
Thus, the conference offered students and academic community members an opportunity to engage directly with the ambassadors in an open dialogue about the EU’s future. During the second part of the discussion, students asked thoughtful and complex questions, enabling the ambassadors to discuss the opportunities that the Élysée Treaty has made possible.The treaty laid the groundwork for international mobility programs for youth, cultural exchanges, and initiatives like the Erasmus+ program, including its new focus on creating European Universities.
Highlighting the University of Bucharest’s membership in the CIVIS University Alliance alongside 10 other European universities, including Aix-Marseille Université in France and Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen in Germany, Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest, stressed the significance of international academic collaboration in promoting European values and fostering relations between nations: CIVIS brings together 11 of Europe’s most prestigious universities, forming a community of over 470.000 students and 70.000 employees, including more than 30.000 faculty members and researchers.
Professor Marian Preda also highlighted the essential role universities play in fostering intercultural dialogue and preparing young people to actively contribute to Europe’s development and unity. He reaffirmed the University of Bucharest’s commitment to advance academic partnerships with institutions in France and Germany, in order to support excellence in education and research.
„The Franco-German Cooperation Treaty”, commonly known as the Élysée Treaty, was signed on January 22, 1963, by French President Charles de Gaulle and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer. This historic milestone remains a key step of Franco-German friendship and the foundation of the European Union’s development. The treaty also inspired initiatives like Franco-German Day, which encourages cultural exchanges among young people from both nations.