Romania teams up with EU parliament to Pressure Russia into Returning its Stolen Gold Reserves During WW1

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Romania teams up with EU parliament to Pressure Russia into Returning its Stolen Gold Reserves During WW1

March 6th, 2024

Awake Goy

In the upcoming March plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, a pivotal historical grievance will take center stage — the restitution of Romania’s national treasure, which was unlawfully seized by Russia over a century ago. MEP Eugen Tomac (PMP) has spearheaded an impactful move by introducing a draft resolution titled “Return of the national treasure of Romania, illegally appropriated by Russia.” Scheduled for comprehensive debate and voting on March 14, this resolution marks a groundbreaking moment as the European Parliament delves into an in-depth discussion on this crucial historical matter.

The draft resolution assumes heightened significance as it holds the potential for the European Union to use it as a diplomatic lever during post-war negotiations with Russia, following the eventual resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The very act of debating and voting on this resolution within the European Parliament is anticipated to send a resounding political signal, signifying the EU’s commitment to rectifying historical injustices and championing the rightful claims of its member states.

Eugen Tomac has stressed the imperative of presenting the situation with clarity and conviction, aiming for this Treasury file to become a focal point within the European Union. The MEP disclosed that during a recent debate in the EP’s foreign affairs committee, there was unanimous support across all political groups for the adoption of the resolution in the upcoming session.

While the text of the resolution is currently undergoing negotiations among various political groups within the European Parliament, its potential adoption holds immense promise for Romania. It not only serves as a diplomatic tool for future relations with Russia but also signifies the EU’s acknowledgment of historical grievances on a broader European stage. The resolution could emerge as a cornerstone in shaping the narrative surrounding Romania’s national treasure and play a pivotal role in re-establishing diplomatic ties with Russia once the conflict in Ukraine reaches resolution.

To delve into the historical context, the issue dates back to the evacuation of Romania’s gold deposit to Moscow in 1916-1917 for safekeeping, a dire wartime necessity during World War I. The National Bank of Romania, even during the communist era, consistently pursued strategies to inform the international public opinion based on irrefutable documents. The gold deposit, which included Queen Maria’s jewels and various cultural treasures, was transported to Moscow under a convention with the Russian Empire, guaranteeing security and the eventual return to Romania.

The European Parliament’s proactive engagement in discussing this historical injustice reflects a renewed commitment to justice, historical restitution, and solidarity among EU member states. This resolution stands as a testament to the EU’s dedication to addressing the past and shaping a more equitable future for its member countries.

Crucially, the resolution could serve as a tool for Romania to assert its claim for the restitution of its national treasure. While the exact value of the treasure is nuanced, historical records indicate that Romania deposited 91.48 tons of fine gold in Moscow, a substantial and symbolically significant amount. This detail underscores the gravity of the historical injustice and the magnitude of the restitution being sought by Romania.

The impending debate and vote on the resolution within the European Parliament represents a critical juncture in the pursuit of justice for Romania. The resolution not only signifies a diplomatic milestone but also holds the potential to reframe historical narratives and foster a more just and equitable future within the European Union. The EU’s collective acknowledgment of historical grievances is a testament to its commitment to upholding principles of justice, solidarity, and fair diplomatic relations among its member states.

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