The Treaty of Craiova marked a significant moment in the shifting borders of Eastern Europe during the tumultuous era surrounding World War II. Following the pressures exerted by the Axis powers, particularly Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, Romania was compelled to reassess its territorial claims. The southern part of Dobruja had been a point of conflict since it was granted to Romania in 1913 after the Second Balkan War. The region holds historical significance as both nations lay claim to its cultural and ethnic heritage, making the eventual decision to return the territory a complex political maneuver. The Romanian government, led by officials like Ion Antonescu, faced both internal opposition and external pressures throughout this process.

The negotiations for the treaty took place in Craiova, leading to Bulgaria regaining control of an area it had cherished historically. This transfer was met with a mix of relief and disappointment among the local populations, reflecting the deep-seated nationalistic sentiments in both Romania and Bulgaria. The agreement also underscored the broader issues of national sovereignty and ethnic identity that were rampant in the region at the time, as many inhabitants of Southern Dobruja had ties to both nations, complicating the narrative around nationality.

The treaty's signing significantly altered the political landscape of Eastern Europe, as it was part of a broader strategy to realign borders and empires, revealing the fractured nature of post-World War I agreements. Moving forward, both nations would grapple with the impacts of the Second World War, foreign influences, and national identity crises, making the Treaty of Craiova an important historical marker.