Marius RÎPAN, Mayor of Vatra Dornei, in the context of FERM 2025: “Regional development is achieved through strategic approaches and multilateral cooperation”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025 | Moldova Regional Economic Forum brought together, over four days, key stakeholders 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, Marius Rîpan, Mayor of Vatra Dornei, emphasized the importance of hosting the event in Vatra Dornei, the scale of this year’s edition, and the role of local administration in regional development.
An international forum with significant regional impact
“It is a great honor for our municipality to host an event of this magnitude. In recent days, Vatra Dornei has been the meeting point for key regional actors, as well as individuals from beyond our borders – visionary people, policymakers, investors, and representatives of academia and civil society,” said Marius Rîpan at the opening of the interview.
Organized between July 9–13, 2025, the Forum brought together over 500 participants from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, as well as countries in the European Union, the Western Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia. The event served as a platform for exchanging ideas and concrete solutions for the economic, social, and infrastructural development of historical Moldova.
The role of local administration in connecting regions
Mayor Marius Rîpan emphasized the importance of local authorities’ involvement in regional development processes:
“It is time for local administrations to no longer be mere spectators, but active participants in building a modern, interconnected, competitive, and equitable Moldova. We have the duty to generate projects, attract partnerships, and promote local resources – natural, human, and economic.”
The mayor mentioned that Vatra Dornei occupies a favorable geostrategic position, with the potential to become a link between northern Romania and regions of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine:
“We have enormous potential – from spa and mountain tourism to logistics development and innovation in the green energy sector. The Forum was the perfect opportunity to make our voices heard and build bridges.”
Key topics addressed at the forum
During FERM 2025, Vatra Dornei hosted thematic panels dedicated to infrastructure, healthcare, education, energy, and social economy. The mayor actively participated in debates and moderated one of the sessions focused on regional connectivity.
“The discussions were practical, concrete, and results-oriented. We did not limit ourselves to principles but discussed specific projects, best practice examples, and available funding sources – whether European, governmental, or private,” explained Marius Rîpan.
Another key point addressed was cross-border cooperation, especially given the current geopolitical context. The mayor noted:
“We need regional solidarity. Partnerships between communities in Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine are not just symbolic but essential for sustainable development. The Forum was a concrete example of effective cooperation.”
Concrete projects for the city’s and region’s future
When asked about the tangible impact of the event on the Vatra Dornei community, Marius Rîpan stated:
“We succeeded in presenting firm proposals regarding the expansion of road infrastructure, attracting investments in spa and mountain tourism, digitizing public services, and, importantly, developing an educational and professional training hub for young people.”
The mayor also announced that, following the Forum meetings, Vatra Dornei will sign memoranda of cooperation with cities in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine in areas such as environment, healthcare, and culture.
A message of unity and openness
In conclusion, Marius Rîpan delivered a clear message:
“Vatra Dornei is not an isolated town in the mountains. It is a vibrant, open city that wants to actively participate in transforming Moldova into a hub of development and international cooperation. The Vatra Dornei Forum was a success but also a beginning. We will continue to build, together.”
Conclusion
The interview with Mayor Marius Rîpan highlights engaged local leadership capable of strategically leveraging regional and international opportunities. Hosting such a significant event in Vatra Dornei confirms the city’s potential to become a hub for cross-border cooperation and sustainable development. Through vision, organization, and openness to dialogue, the local administration of Vatra Dornei strengthens its role as an active partner in transforming the Moldova Region into a dynamic, competitive space well connected to European and global trends.
