The event, held on 25–26 March 2026, attracted distinguished guests. Among those taking part in the Romanian Days at Bialystok University of Technology were: the Ambassador of Romania to Poland, Theodor Cosmin Onisii, the Honorary Consul of Romania in Białystok, Ewa Moroz-Ustymowicz, the honorary consuls of Estonia, Finland, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mongolia and Serbia based in Białystok, Michał Gąsowski, Deputy Voivode of Podlasie, together with representatives of local government bodies and the academic community.
Pillars of Academic Cooperation
For Bialystok University of Technology, participating in the organisation of this year’s Romanian Days forms part of a long-term strategy to build its international reputation. Academic collaboration serves here as a natural bridge between scientific progress and intercultural dialogue.
— Without understanding the culture, history and geography of our partners, it is impossible to forge relations that will result in genuine, in-depth research cooperation — stressed Assoc. Prof. Marta Kosior-Kazberuk, DSc, PhD, Eng., Rector of Bialystok University of Technology. — That is why we consistently open the doors of our university to the world, confident that a shared body of experience will lead us towards innovative approaches to education and technological advances.
The vision of Bialystok University of Technology’s openness to partnerships with universities worldwide is shaped in part by Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng., Vice-Rector for International Cooperation:
— Currently, the foundation for developing Polish-Romanian cooperation consists of 25 partnership agreements with academic institutions in Romania. Yet the real breakthrough has been our collaboration with the University of Craiova. Since 2025 we have been building a large consortium together — the ACROSS European University. Within it we focus on the specific characteristics of border regions, which are of particular importance for our part of Europe — said Assoc. Prof. Dorota Anna Krawczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng.
Participants in the Romanian Days also had the opportunity to learn about other scientific networks. Dr Marcela Șlusarciuc from Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava spoke about the potential of the NEOLAiA European University.
Solidarity Written in History
At the official opening of the Romanian Days, Ambassador Theodor Cosmin Onisii recalled concrete examples of mutual support between Poland and Romania. He referred, among other things, to the defensive alliance of 1921 shaped by Józef Piłsudski and the Romanian royal couple, which remains to this day the cornerstone of the two nations’ strategic partnership. He reminded those present of the tens of thousands of Poles who found refuge in Romania after the outbreak of the Second World War. He also mentioned a less widely known episode from 1977.
— After the tragic earthquake in Romania, Poles helped us construct a hospital in Bucharest which grateful residents still call the “Budimex hospital” — said the Ambassador. — We share a great deal, and therefore have a solid basis on which to build modern, partnership-based relations.
Poland and Romania – Natural Partners
In Białystok, events that bring Romanian traditions and culture closer to the public are organised on a regular basis. They enjoy the patronage of the Honorary Consul of Romania in Białystok, Ewa Moroz-Ustymowicz.
— We are very much alike. If we set aside the borders that probably still linger to some extent in our way of thinking, we will see how much unites us — emphasised Ewa Moroz-Ustymowicz. — By inviting Bialystok University of Technology to co-organise the Romanian Days, I wanted to encourage the development of academic cooperation and, in particular, to inspire young people to consider studying at Romanian universities.
Cooperation with Romania is also extending to the local-government level. The Mayor of Białystok, Assoc. Prof. Tadeusz Truskolaski, DSc, PhD, announced closer links between the Białystok Functional Area and the Romanian association of communes Comuna Berceni. The main objectives are joint applications for EU funding and the exchange of experience in developing modern infrastructure.
Fascinating Transylvania
During the Romanian Days visitors could view an exhibition of striking photographs of fortified churches in Transylvania. As the Honorary Consul of Romania in Białystok, Ewa Moroz-Ustymowicz, pointed out, these remarkable buildings are far more than UNESCO-listed monuments — they symbolise the solidarity of local communities that enabled them to survive the storms of history.
The Romanian Days at Bialystok University of Technology demonstrated that even in an era of advanced technology, it is still human relationships and shared values that provide the most enduring foundation for progress. The event created a platform that brought together science, diplomacy and culture on a firm Polish-Romanian footing.
Monika Rokicka
Organisers of the Romanian Days 2026: Romanian Cultural Institute in Warsaw, Honorary Consul of Romania in Białystok Ewa Moroz-Ustymowicz, Bialystok University of Technology. Patronage: Rector of Bialystok University of Technology.
See photos from the Romanian Days held on 25–26 March 2026 at Bialystok University of Technology:
