Representative of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, Viorel COZMEI, at FERM 2025: ‘Over 30 million euros attracted for the community’

Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025 | Regional Economic Forum Moldova brought together, over the course of four days, key actors from local and central public administration, the business community, academia, NGOs, and international organizations to discuss the future of a region at a turning point.

As part of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova (FERM 2025), The Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți presented an extensive report on its involvement in the development of communities in the region. On behalf of the Archdiocese, Viorel Cozmei highlighted the strategic role that the Romanian Orthodox Church assumes in supporting social, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives.

Restoration of local symbols and commitment to the community

The opening of the address emphasized the significance of choosing the Palace of the Dorna as the venue of the event – a symbolic building for the region, recently restored with the support of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți:

“We wish to express our joy that the Palace of the Dorna was chosen to host this year’s forum, a representative moment for our region, which, through the involvement of the Archdiocese in the restoration of this monument, regains its utility by bringing together individuals and institutions who seek the well-being of the community.”

In this context, Viorel Cozmei reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to actively contribute to public life and regional development, not only through spiritual actions but also through projects with social, cultural, and administrative impact.

Concrete commitment: over 30 million euros invested in social, educational, and environmental projects

The representative of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți, Viorel Cozmei, presented the Church’s concrete contribution to regional development. In recent years, the institution has implemented numerous projects funded by European and national sources, with real impact in areas such as social assistance, education, heritage protection, and the green transition.

Social projects for the elderly and children

A total of 5 projects dedicated to senior communities are currently underway, totaling over €7.8 million.
Additionally, 3 multifunctional centers for children have been established, focused on sports and cultural activities, through the program Inclusion and Social Identity (€6.8 million)

Energy transition and environment

The Archdiocese secured funding for:

• 6 photovoltaic parks (1.365 MW) – through the Ministry of Energy (€1.8 million)
• 7 green installations (1.165 MW) – through the Ministry of the Environment (€1.1 million)
• The “Green Home” program – for 10 parishes, with a total of 30 kW in solar panels (€60,000)

Heritage, culture, and rural development

The Church supports the preservation of local values:

• 4 projects for the restoration and design of religious monuments – in partnership with the National Heritage Institute (€1.2 million)
• 7 places of worship included in cultural routes through the NRRP (4 stone monasteries and 3 wooden churches) – €12.68 million
• 1 project already completed and accepted

In rural areas, support was provided for the establishment of a multifunctional social center, through GAL Suceava South-East (€150,000).

Investments in religious and social infrastructure

Through the National Investment Company (CNI), the following are underway:

• rehabilitation of the “Saint John the New” Monastery complex
• construction of a social-philanthropic center

“You may wonder what the relevance of these figures is. And I will explain in two words: to understand that we are a consistent partner, that tradition continues, and that sustainable development is a concept to which we can contribute through all three pillars.”

Conclusions:

The representative of the Archdiocese of Suceava and Rădăuți emphasized the constant availability of the Orthodox Church to contribute to building a sustainable future for Suceava County and the entire region of Moldova. The message stressed the need for a strong partnership between ecclesiastical institutions, local and central authorities, the business sector, and civil society.

The involvement of the Archdiocese is not limited to the spiritual domain but extends concretely to key areas of regional development: social infrastructure, heritage protection, education, green transition, and the promotion of cultural values. Through this active commitment, the Church reaffirms its role as a consistent partner in the modernization process of Moldova, contributing to cohesion, solidarity, and continuity in community projects.