Former Prime Minister of Romania, Viorica DĂNCILĂ, at FERM 2025: “Moldova Needs a Realistic Plan with Regional and National Support”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025 | Regional Economic Forum Moldova brought together, over four days, key actors from local and central public administration, the business environment, academia, NGOs, and international organizations to discuss the future of a region at a turning point.
In an interview with Nord News, Viorica DĂNCILĂ, former Prime Minister of Romania and former Member of the European Parliament, conveyed a message of support for the development of the Moldova region, advocating for a concrete, realistic plan built on collaboration and engagement at all levels.
“A Pearl of Romania” – message of appreciation for Bukovina and the Moldova region
Viorica Dăncilă expressed her pleasure in returning to Bukovina:
“It is a great pleasure for me to come to Vatra Dornei, to return to Bukovina – a pearl of Romania, with wonderful people and a region that represents us internationally.”
This statement reflects her attachment to the area and her understanding of its potential both symbolically and strategically.
From Statements to Action: “We need actionable programs, not just theoretical ones”
Viorica Dăncilă emphasized the importance of formulating a clear and actionable development project for Moldova.
“You cannot talk about development without having a development project. I hope this project, which will be shaped with the help of experts, people involved in various fields, civil society, and all those willing to be partners in Moldova’s development, will be a plan adapted to the reality of the region and will yield very good results.”
She warned against the risk of remaining at a purely declarative stage and insisted on the need for implementable and efficient programs.
Regional and National Support – Essential Conditions for Success
In the former Prime Minister’s view, a development project cannot succeed without institutional and legislative support.
“We need connections, but we also need support at the regional level, of course, complemented by support at the national level.”
This dual anchoring – local and central – is considered crucial for unlocking the potential of the Moldova region.
Accessing Funds and Functional Partnerships: The Key to Development
A recurring theme of the interview was the need for easier access to European funds and the reform of the legislative framework.
“The projects are excellent, put forward by people who love this area and want to implement them. But we need legislative changes, allocated funds, and easier access to European funds.”
Additionally, Viorica Dăncilă advocated for fostering public-private partnerships, considered essential for attracting investment.
“We need a functioning public-private partnership.”
International Openness: “Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and investors from other countries”
In the context of the Forum’s internationalization and the interest shown by foreign delegations, Viorica Dăncilă spoke about the importance of cross-border collaborations and openness to investors.
“We need connections with other regions and countries – I am referring primarily to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, but also to third countries. Once they see the Moldova region, they will be interested in investing here, in partnership with local businesspeople.”
Conclusion: A Firm Call for Collaboration and Concrete Action
Viorica Dăncilă’s presence at FERM 2025 was marked by a clear message: without concrete action, legislative support, and collective engagement, the development of Moldova remains only an intention.
Through her engaged tone and realistic analysis of the situation, the former Prime Minister made a valuable contribution to the strategic dialogue initiated at the Forum, reinforcing the idea that Moldova not only has potential but urgently needs a coherent and well-supported strategy.
