Romania Releases Diplomatic Archives

Why this is here: The released archives contain approximately 100 linear meters of documents, offering a detailed look at Romania’s diplomatic activity in the early post-revolution years.

The Romanian Government approved the declassification of diplomatic archives from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 1992. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposed the decision, releasing 5,376 files preserved in 768 archive folders. These records span roughly 100 linear meters of shelving and cover a pivotal period for Romania.

The files detail events like the first free elections, the June 1990 miners’ protests, King Michael I’s historic 1992 visit, German reunification, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. File titles include records of Soviet reactions to the 1989 Revolution and treaties with the USSR. Foreign Minister Oana Toiu stated that Romanians deserve access to this history and that transparency builds trust.

Some materials remain classified, including state ciphers and documents concerning the security of diplomatic missions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will now inventory, process, and digitize the files, making them accessible to researchers and the public gradually. The work of preparing these archives for public view will take time.