Time to Wake Up: Romania’s Competitiveness at Stake! Paneuropa Launches Public Consultations to Develop an Action Plan Derived from the Draghi Report Recommendations

In a time of major geopolitical shifts and fierce economic competition among global powers, Europe must take decisive action to regain its competitiveness. Romania, with one of the highest economic dependencies on the European Union, must redefine its position and become an influential player at the decision-making table in Brussels.

In this context, Paneuropa Romania is initiating a public consultation process to draft a strategic white paper outlining Romania's priorities in key areas such as Strengthening Governance, Energy, Computing & A.I., Defense, Revamping Competition, Transport, Digitalization & Advanced Technologies, Sustaining Investment, Accelerating Innovation, Semiconductors, Energy – Intensive Industries, Pharma, Automotive, as well as Closing the Skills Gap. This document will be submitted to the European Commission in February, through the Paneuropean Union and the Government of Romania.

“This document represents an action plan aligned with the recommendations of the Draghi Report recommendations and follows the recent Paneuropean Meeting held in Bucharest, in partnership with the Academy of Economic Studies – FABIZ and key representatives of the business sector in Romania. Our goal is clear: to support Europe’s competitiveness and position Romania as an active player at European level,” stated Alexandru Nazare, President of Paneuropa Romania.

Why is this initiative crucial?

According to Radu Hanga, president of the Bucharest Stock Exchange, Romania has one of the highest economic dependencies on the EU, with over 90% of its foreign trade directed towards member states, making a coherent strategy essential for maximizing its advantages. Bogdan Chirițoiu, president of the Romanian Competition Council, emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift: “Romania must better defend its interests and become an active player in the European decision-making architecture.”

“We are at a critical moment for the future of Europe. The European Union, as envisioned a century ago by Paneuropean leaders, risks losing its relevance if we fail to act decisively. Now is the time to make Europe great again,” said Alain Terrenoire, President of the International Paneuropean Union.

Strategic Priorities for Romania and Europe

As part of its action plan, Paneuropa Romania proposes several key initiatives, including:

• Stronger Representation in Brussels on Energy Policy – Romania must advocate for a clear European strategy on energy prices, reduced bureaucracy, and increased investments in renewable sources and energy storage technologies.