On the occasion of a conference held this month in Istanbul, we had the opportunity to meet Claudiu Dumitrache, Cultural Ambassador of the Euro Education Federation. During his visit to Istanbul, Dumitrache engaged in discussions with several cultural figures, journalists, and businesspeople from the United States and various European countries, including Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia, with the aim of fostering collaborations on cultural and educational projects.
Furthermore, he signed new agreements to integrate significant associations from Lithuania, Italy, Bulgaria, and Turkey into the Euro Education Federation and initiated partnerships to promote cultural engagement in the press across Europe and the United States.
For almost five years, Claudiu Dumitrache has been serving as Cultural Ambassador of the Euro Education Federation through the EPALE programme – the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe, an initiative coordinated by the European Commission. In this role, Dumitrache represents over 100 associations and organisations affiliated with the Federation and holds full decision-making authority in promoting socio-cultural dialogue and fostering collaboration with various national and international entities, including government institutions, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the United Nations, UNESCO, as well as numerous federations, foundations, and associations.
His work focuses on developing innovative strategies and programmes aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for young people and adults in Romania. He is actively engaged in supporting European initiatives in education, youth development, information technology, the arts, culture, citizenship, and research, creating new opportunities for cross-border educational exchanges.
In our interview with him, Claudiu Dumitrache spoke about how culture is promoted in Romania, how he perceives culture and the arts, as well as his new projects, including the Contemporary Values Gala, which he is organising in Bucharest.
Mr Ambassador, you have had a remarkable career in cultural promotion; you are an award-winning musician and journalist, as well as the most prolific young writer in Romania. How have you managed to accomplish so many projects by the age of 25, and what inspires you in life?
Music was my first love, but in recent years, I have discovered several other passions, including literature and journalism. To be honest, I am not entirely sure how or what I have managed to achieve, but I believe my artistic journey is only just beginning.
I have always pursued what I consider meaningful and beneficial to people, particularly young people, by promoting high-quality artistic content that brings joy to their hearts and enriches their minds. I draw inspiration from the elderly—simple yet wise—from children, from my mother, and from the great personalities I have encountered or read about.
What does culture mean to you, and what is it not?
To me, culture is what our ancestors have passed down for us to understand, and what history clearly reveals to us. Authentic culture cannot be separated from worship, from the cult (but not in the pejorative sense of the word)—that is, from religion and the Church—and it revolves around a faith or religious movement. We are in Constantinople, and it is worth remembering that the culture that built civilisation, that provided moral values and meaning to the world, is Orthodox culture. From this foundation, other Christian beliefs later emerged, which we now find across the world. Therefore, for me, culture is intrinsically linked to religion.
In my work, I strive to emphasise this essential aspect and to demonstrate that culture has the power to make the world a better place when it is founded on evangelical values. Of course, there are also cultures based on other religions besides Christianity, and dialogue between them must always remain open, so that the beauty of each individual is neither lost nor ignored, regardless of belief or religion.
Ezio Bosso delivered a deeply moving speech on European unity—and unity in a broader sense—at the European Heritage Conference in Brussels in 2018. He emphasised that music, much like Europe itself, derives its strength from the harmony of diversity. Referencing the Latin term unus, he highlighted the essence of a community in which differences do not divide but enrich.
Music teaches us to listen, cooperate, and break down barriers, offering a powerful model for society. I deeply connect with Bosso’s vision, as it aligns with Christian values, particularly the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, where three distinct persons coexist within a single divine essence. This principle can be applied to our lives, demonstrating that individuality and unity are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. In this way, we are also reminded of the founding principles of the European Union. His speech was a compelling call for solidarity, mutual respect, and cohesion—values that are rooted in both art and faith.
How much is culture promoted in Romania, and how do young people respond to the cultural education you aim to provide?
The promotion of culture in Romania today relies largely on private initiatives and institutions. However, these efforts often lack the financial and media support necessary to reach a wider audience. Young people respond differently to cultural education: those exposed to art and literature from an early age are generally more open to cultural events, whereas others, influenced by digital trends, do not prioritise authentic culture.
Although Romania frequently hosts events that celebrate traditions and showcase talented young people, the lack of government support for cultural education has led to a decline in interest among many young individuals. As a result, they have turned to marginal movements where tradition and culture are often overlooked. The main issue lies in the absence of institutional support for young creatives. Nevertheless, some young people, supported by their families, manage to carve out a place for themselves in the cultural landscape. Today, cultural figures in Romania hope that the new government will recognise the need to promote, preserve, and sustain culture—crucial elements for both the future of Romanian heritage and the younger generation.
I understand that your editorial group will be launching The Bucharest Times this spring. What do you intend the purpose of this magazine to be?
I would like The Bucharest Times to be an online publication that provides the public with accurate information and promotes culture. Additionally, I want this magazine to award annual prizes in various fields, particularly in literature and journalism. Following the model of The New York Times, I hope The Bucharest Times will become a representative publication for Romanian culture—one where people can find both relevant information and a touch of inspiration.
Mr Ambassador, in Romania, you organise the Contemporary Values Gala, a ceremony that celebrates the talent, work, and contributions of those who have enriched the Romanian landscape across various fields. What are your plans for this project?
We are currently preparing for the second edition of this event in Romania, which will take place in June in Bucharest under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture. This initiative recognises the quality, performance, and excellence of individuals, projects, and institutions across various fields, with a particular emphasis on the cultural sphere. This edition marks the final one of the early years of this century, while future ceremonies of the Contemporary Values Gala in Romania are scheduled for the end of the 21st century.
