Romanian ambassador visits Umeå University to discuss EU relations
NEWS
Răduţa Matache, the Romanian Ambassador to Sweden, visited Umeå University and held a lecture on the subject of Romanian-EU relations on 8 April.
The ambassador began with high praise for Umeå University, noting its “very good name in Romania,” who also hoped to expand research cooperation in the areas of forestry and IT. She also mentioned the ties between Umeå and Transylvanian city of Sibiu, which was the European Capital of Culture in 2007.
Răduţa Matache spoke about the role of Romania as a new EU member-state, and shared the Romanian perception of Sweden in the EU and of the highly successful Swedish EU Presidency during the later of half of 2009. “There is widespread enthusiasm for the EU throughout Romania,” she stated.
The changing role of bilateral relations after the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and future prospects for bilateral cooperation between the Romania and Sweden was also highlighted in the lecture.
Romania joined the European Union in 2007 as one of latest countries to become member-states. Since the end of the Soviet era and during the last two decades of economic growth, the country has strengthened its position in Europe and in relation to other countries in Europe.
Furthermore, the importance of student mobility was emphasised, and the ambassador encouraged students to participate in the forthcoming European External Action Service (EEAS), which will be an institution that will serve as a foreign ministry and diplomatic corps for Europe. “Mobility is essential for the future of the EU,” said Ambassador Matache.
The lecture was arranged by the Umeå Association of Political Affairs in collaboration with Umeå University.
About Răduţa Matache
Răduţa Matache was born in Piatra Neamt, Romania in 1963. She has been Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Sweden since June 2009. Prior to this, she was posted at the Embassies in Washington, D.C. (1996-2000) and London (2004-2008). Răduţa Matache is an alumnus of the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, has an MA in European Integration from the University of Limerick in Ireland, and an MA in International Relations from the School for Political and Administrative Studies in Bucharest. She has also been the Secretary of State for European Affairs in the Romanian Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA). During her 18 year career as a diplomat she worked in the MFA, in Bucharest, in various capacities, including Director of the NATO department in the run-up to Romania’s joining the North Atlantic Alliance in 2004.
