The position of the international community regarding the Union of Bessarabia with Romania was officially expressed during the Paris Peace Conference of 1919-1920, historian Ion Negrei stated in a public debate titled “The Union of 1918: why was it necessary, why was it possible?". According to him, the Union was recognized on the basis of the right to self-determination of the population living between the Prut and the Nistru rivers.

The historian explained that the Union of Bessarabia with Romania was a legitimate act that was internationally recognized and was essential for the stability of the region in the context of the beginning of the 20th century.

"The position of the international community on the Union was demonstrated at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919-1920. Then, the legitimacy of the Union was recognized and Romania's right of sovereignty over the territory of Bessarabia was also recognized," said Ion Negrei.

The historian noted the historical argument that underpinned the legitimacy of the Union: the territory between the Prut and the Nistru was part of Medieval Moldavia, thus having a natural historical continuity within the Romanian state.

"The participants in the Paris Peace Conference put the principle of self-determination at the fore. They were convinced that the Union took place within the limits of the respect for the right to self-determination of the population between the Prut and the Nistru. In addition, they focused on historical law. The territory of Bessarabia is the historical territory of Medieval Moldavia," said Ion Negrei.

He stressed that the Union of Bessarabia with Romania had not only a national importance, but also a European one, contributing to the security of the entire continent. Through the international recognition of the Union, the danger of Bolshevik Russia's expansion was removed.

"In addition, the Union also ensured the security of Europe. At the Paris Peace Conference, it was specified that by recognizing Romania's right of sovereignty over Bessarabia, Europe's security was also secured. Romania took control of this territory and the danger that came from Russia in 1918-1920 was removed as, at that time, Russia was waging a war against Poland and other peoples in order to expand its Bolshevik supremacy. Europe became more secure by recognizing Bessarabia as a component part of Romania," said historian Ion Negrei.

The public debate entitled "The Union of 1918: why was it necessary, why was it possible?" was the 45th installment of the series "Impact of the past on confidence-building and peace-building processes". The project is supported by the German “Hanns Seidel” Foundation.