Economic Resilience Forum 2026 – Chernivtsi

I returned to Chernivtsi to take part in the Economic Resilience Forum, alongside colleagues from USR, the ALDE Party - Liberals and Democrats for Europe, and Renew Europe.

During the panel “What comes after opening the negotiation clusters?”, we discussed the next steps for Ukraine and Moldova on their path to the EU. My message was clear: a strong nation is built from the ground up, starting with local authorities and communities, and Romania plays an essential role in this process as a direct neighbour to both candidate states

The economic stability of this border region is vital for the security of Europe's entire eastern flank and the Black Sea. The Interreg NEXT Romania-Ukraine Programme is a concrete tool through which we equip local hospitals, manage environmental risks, and train public officials to meet European standards.

In the European Parliament, the focus is now on the next EU budget - the post-2027 MFF. As the Renew Europe group negotiator for the Global Europe Instrument, I am negotiating the budget allocations designated for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. My goal is to ensure that a significant portion of these funds reaches local communities directly, preparing them to absorb future cohesion funding.

As Vice-President of Renew Europe responsible for relations with the Committee of the Regions, I will continue to connect parliamentary diplomacy with local support programmes. Strong regions along Romania’s border build a safer Europe.