Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister of Romania

How will Romania leverage its policy reforms and strategic initiatives to boost its appeal as a leading destination for FDI in Europe?

Looking ahead to 2024, the economic forecast for Romania suggests a cautious optimism with a projected growth of 2.9%, underpinned by EU-funded investments in public infrastructure that aim to stimulate economic expansion. This strategic focus, alongside Romania's commitment to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, positions the country to navigate the complex economic landscape, striving for sustainable growth in a tightening fiscal environment.

Bogdan Ion, Country Managing Partner Romania & Moldova and COO EY CESA

Guest speakers: Nicolae Ciucă, President of the Senate of Romania & Marcel Ciolacu, Prime Minister of Romania

Romania is making significant strides towards a greener future, with a substantial financing package exceeding 20 billion euros dedicated to the energy transition, including funds from the Modernization Fund. Exciting projects like Neptun Deep and Nuclear Sector refurbishment, along with upcoming developments, aim to attract an additional 10 billion euros in energy sector investments. The focus on developing the power network is crucial, especially with the increasing decentralization of energy generation and the rise of electric vehicles, requiring a precise approach to implementation for success. This panel discussion seeks to delve into the current and forthcoming policies vital for bolstering investments in a lower-carbon future.

Moderator: Mihai Drăghici, Partner Business Consulting , EY Romania & Energy South Cluster Lead, EY CESA

Guest speakers: Sebastian Ioan Burduja, Minister of Energy of Romania

Panel speakers:

- Ondrej Safar, CEO, Evryo

- Alexandru Chiriță, CEO, Electrica

Romania plays an important role in the economic and security apparatus of Europe with the opportunity to further elevate its position by maximizing the deployment of funds available to support transformation and increase resilience in these areas.

Moderator: Peter Latos, Strategy & Transactions Leader, EY Romania

Guest speaker: Adrian Câciu, Minister of European Funds & Projects of Romania

Panel speakers: 

- Cristian Nacu, Country Manager, IFC

- Venera Vlad, Associate Director, EBRD

The looming specter of both recent and forthcoming tax reforms occupies the forefront of investors' thoughts, be they domestic or international. The rapid pace of digitalization within the public sector, notably within institutions such as the Ministry of Finance or ANAF, has introduced many new initiatives: SAFT, e-Invoice, e-Transport, and electronic cash registers to Romania. 

This marks the next stage in the evolving dynamic between tax authorities and taxpayers. Such developments significantly shape Romania's appeal for foreign direct investment, prompting the crucial inquiry into how any further alterations in tax regulations and their execution will affect the country's global competitiveness and attract additional investment.

Moderator: Alexander Milcev, Tax & Legal Leader, EY Romania

Guest speakers:

- Ioan-Marcel Boloș, Minister of Finance of Romania

- Mihai Bordeanu, CEO, Dacia Renault

Renowned as a significant player in the IT&C industry, Romania possesses the potential to transform into a fully digitalized nation. Being home to the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre, Romania holds the second position in Europe in terms of IT specialists and the fifth among the EU nations in the proportion of women with IT&C education employed as IT specialists. 

An interconnected, innovative, and forward-thinking Romania possesses the potential to attract considerable investors, potentially establishing itself as a key center for FDI in Eastern Europe.

Moderator: Cătălina Dodu, Head of Consulting, EY Romania

Guest speaker: Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalization of Romania

Panel speakers: 

- Mihai Matei, Board Member, ANIS

- Julien Ducarroz, CEO, Orange

- Elisabeta Moraru, Country Director, Google

Bogdan Ion, Country Managing Partner Romania & Moldova and COO EY CESA