On June 1, 2026, the conference “Romania Before and After Trianon” will take place at the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), presented by the Romanian historian Florian Banu, one of the important voices of contemporary Romanian historiography. The event is organized by the Romanian Cultural Institute in Beijing in partnership with BFSU, in the context of marking 106 years since the signing of the Treaty of Trianon on June 4, 1920.
The conference aims to provide the Chinese and international academic audience with a documented and balanced perspective on the historical context preceding and following the signing of the Treaty of Trianon, as well as on its impact on the evolution of the modern Romanian state and the wider region of Central and Eastern Europe.
During his presentation, historian Florian Banu will address essential topics such as the geopolitical context at the end of the First World War, the process of the Great Union, the negotiations and provisions of the treaty, regional relations during the interwar period, as well as the long-term consequences of Trianon on national identities, political discourses, and historical memory.
At the same time, the conference will highlight the process of consolidating the modern Romanian state, the administrative and social challenges of the postwar period, as well as the importance of understanding history in a spirit of dialogue, balance, and mutual respect between communities and states.
Florian Banu is a historian and researcher specializing in the contemporary history of Romania and economic history studies. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the National Council for the Study of the Securitate Archives, the National Archives of Romania, and the “Nicolae Iorga” Institute of History in Bucharest. Author of more than 15 volumes and numerous academic studies, Florian Banu is recognized for the rigor of his research and his ability to connect historical analysis with contemporary challenges.
The structure of the event will include:
• introductory presentation of the topic (approximately 60 minutes);
• question-and-answer session and dialogue with students and university faculty (approximately 40 minutes);
• book signing session for the author’s published volumes.
The event represents a valuable opportunity for BFSU students and professors to deepen their understanding of Romanian history and the dynamics of Eastern Europe in the twentieth century through a solid and accessible academic analysis.
For Romania, the commemoration of the Treaty of Trianon carries an important historical and educational dimension, contributing to the reaffirmation of historical truth, the consolidation of cultural identity, and the promotion of dialogue and reconciliation among the communities of the region. The organizers emphasize that this commemoration should be understood as an initiative of historical knowledge and reflection, carried out in a spirit of openness and respect toward all communities involved.
