Romania moderna s-a format, ca aproape toate statele moderne ale Europei, in secolele al XVIII-lea si al XIX-lea, cu o prelungire la inceputul celui de-al XX-lea secol, considerat, de regula, un secol al istoriei contemporane. Aceasta modernitate nu a venit insa de la sine, ci a fost construita cu greu de natiunea romana, condusa de o elita responsabila si constienta. - prof. dr. Ioan-Aurel Pop presedinte al Academiei Romane

 

Like most modern European states, modern Romania took shape in the 18th and 19th centuries, with a prolongation into the beginning of the 20th century, which is usually considered part of contemporary history. Modernity of the country didn't come by itself, but was laboriously forged by the Romanian nation under the lead of a purposefully responsible elite. - Prof. Dr. Ioan-Aurel Pop President of the Romanian Academy