The Ratification of the 1997 Romanian-Ukrainian Treaty: A Study of Procedural Irregularities and Diplomatic Consequences

Abstract

After the fall of The Soviet Union in 1991, diplomatic relations between post-Soviet nations remained undefined. Although Romania swiftly recognized Ukraine’s Independence, a formal framework for bilateral relations did not materialize until The Romanian-Ukrainian Treaty of 1997. This paper analyzes irregularities in the ratification procedure in the Romanian context. Drawing upon the texts of The Treaty, archived parliamentary transcripts, official government statements, The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties of 1969 and internal Romanian legislation regarding parliamentary procedure, this study makes the case that the ratification process was marred by significant procedural deficiencies. Whilst the case for a complete annulment based on The Vienna Accord Framework is debatable, this analysis underscores the importance of adhering to proper legislative procedures in ratifying international agreements. Furthermore, the paper analyses The Treaty’s provisions, reviewing the criticisms and defenses raised during the ratification procedure in 1997. The analysis concludes that whilst the treaty’s provisions are fundamentally sound, their enforcement over time has weakened due to increased nationalist pressure inside Ukraine and due to an exhibited reluctance from the Romanian state to enforce its provisions. Subsequent diplomatic developments are briefly examined to observe the trajectory of Romanian-Ukrainian relations.