The University of Bucharest welcomes NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and hosts debate on “Strengthening Eastern Flank: NATO’s Vision for Romania”

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the University of Bucharest had the honor of welcoming NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for a special visit and for the student debate “Strengthening the Eastern Flank: NATO’s Vision for Romania.”

The event opened with remarks by Professor Marian Preda, PhD, Rector of the University of Bucharest, who highlighted the importance of Romania’s partnership with the North Atlantic Alliance and the role of academia in promoting dialogue on security, stability and civic responsability in a rapidly changing Europe.

”Today, as Europe faces war and increasingly visible forms of authoritarianism, every investment in education – especially in higher education and research – is, in fact, an investment in society’s resilience and in the defense of freedom and democracy.
At the University of Bucharest, we believe our strength lies not only in scientific performance, but also in an organizational culture founded on integrity, public responsibility, and academic freedom – values that define us and guide our contribution to both the national and international community”, said Professor Marian Preda, Rector of the University of Bucharest.

The debate, moderated by Professor Dragoș-Paul Aligică, PhD, explored key topics including security, international cooperation, and youth engagement in addressing today’s global challenges.

Students had the opportunity to participate directly in the discussion, asking questions and reflecting on their role in fostering a culture of security and civic responsibility. Through this dialogue with NATO leaders, participants gained a deeper understanding of the complex international environment and were encouraged to take an active role in shaping their future as citizens of a united and resilient Europe.

Among the attendees were Professor Carmen Chifiriuc, PhD, Vice-Rector for Research and Professor Lucian Ciolan, PhD, Vice-Rector for Development Projects and Lifelong Learning, as well as deans and faculty members from across the university.

The event offered participants a broad perspective on NATO’s efforts to strengthen its presence and response capacity along the Eastern Flank, in light of new geopolitical realities and emerging security challenges. In his address, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the importance of solidarity among member states, continued investment in defense, and strategic cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the region.

He highlighted Romania’s role as a trusted NATO ally – both through its contributions to allied missions and its commitment to enhancing regional resilience. The discussion also underlined how academic, institutional, and civic partnerships can reinforce the democratic values and principles at the foundation of the Alliance.

In this context, Secretary General Rutte acknowledged Romania’s support for the Republic of Moldova in countering the growing wave of hybrid attacks: “NATO also supports these efforts, but what Romania is doing is extremely important. You’ve seen the elections – they were as fair and transparent as possible, thanks in part to your efforts, and to those of NATO and the EU.”

The event reaffirmed the strength of the transatlantic partnership and Romania’s steadfast commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, and collective security – with education and international cooperation remaining key pillars of that commitment. Through this open and engaging dialogue, the University of Bucharest once again demonstrated its role as a space for critical reflection and youth empowerment, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with the major issues shaping Europe’s present and future.