Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) last Thursday hosted the first meeting of an inter-institutional working group aimed at enhancing cooperation in promoting the Romanian language among diaspora communities and historical Romanian minorities abroad.
According to a ministry press release, the group seeks to improve coordination among institutions responsible for the study and promotion of Romanian overseas, better align existing programmes and identify new lines of action in support of Romanians living outside the country.
The Ministry noted that, amid the growth of Romanian communities across Europe and other regions, preserving and developing the linguistic and cultural identity of younger generations is a strategic priority. The Romanian language, it said, remains the central element in safeguarding identity and maintaining ties with the country of origin.
Church’s role in preserving Romanian identity
Archimandrite Augustin Coman, Patriarchal Adviser and Coordinator of the Sector for Christian and Interreligious Relations within the Romanian Patriarchate, also attended the meeting and outlined the role of the Romanian Orthodox Church in promoting Romanian language and identity in diaspora communities.
“We highlighted the important role played by Romanian Orthodox parishes outside the country’s borders in preserving the Romanian identity of those settled abroad, whether temporarily or permanently,” he told Basilica.ro.
He added that these ecclesial communities are not merely sacramental and liturgical spaces, but “true centres of cohesion and solidarity,” where Romanian children and young people in the diaspora can learn the Romanian language, become familiar with national history and cultural heritage, and consciously assume their Romanian identity.
“It is well known that many Romanian Orthodox parishes abroad organise Romanian language courses alongside their catechetical activities,” the Archimandrite said.
Call for stronger coordination
Clara Volintiru, State Secretary for inter-institutional relations, development cooperation and human rights, stressed the need for more effective coordination among state bodies.
“We want to ensure good cooperation and support other competent institutions in promoting the Romanian language in the diaspora and historical communities. We aim to understand the challenges they face and how we can act jointly and efficiently to address them. The MAE seeks to strengthen coordination among various institutions and support their efforts to promote the Romanian language abroad,” she said.
In the same context, the ministry announced that diplomatic missions and consular offices would assess the extent to which Romanian communities wish to access programmes promoting Romanian language and culture, as well as explore possibilities for introducing or expanding Romanian language courses within the public education systems of host countries.
Representatives of the Romanian Language Institute, the Romanian Cultural Institute, the Department for Romanians Everywhere, the Presidential Administration and the Romanian Patriarchate attended the inaugural meeting of the working group.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Mircea Florescu
