European Parliament Calls on Russia to Return Romania’s National Treasure
Photo: MEP Eugen Tomac/Reuters
On Thursday, March 14, the European Parliament (EP) took a notable step by adopting a resolution that formally calls on Russia to return the Romanian national treasure that was expropriated following the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. This move marks a significant development in a long-standing issue that has troubled Romanian-Russian relations for over a century. The treasure, which consists of a wide array of cultural and historical artifacts, was originally sent to Russia for safekeeping during World War I but was never returned to Romania after the Bolsheviks came to power. The issue has persisted through the decades, with Romania repeatedly seeking the return of these assets, which hold immense cultural and historical significance for the Romanian people. MEP Eugen Tomac has been particularly vocal about the importance of this resolution. He highlighted that the debate in the European Parliament has provided Romania with an unprecedented opportunity, specifically referencing the EU Strategy for combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods in Europe. According to Tomac, the matter of the Romanian treasure in Moscow has traditionally been addressed as a bilateral issue between Romania and the Russian Federation, often relegated to a commission that convenes infrequently.
