Empowering Investment and Digital Transformation in Romania

Welcome to this week's edition of my professional journey! From groundbreaking investment approvals to digital transformation initiatives, it's been a week full of exciting developments for Romania's economic landscape. Join me as we explore new funding opportunities, discuss the digitalization of our country, and work towards a more innovative future. Let's dive in!

?? Boosting SMEs: Recovery Equity Fund Approves €27.5 Million in Investments

I'm thrilled to announce that the Investment Board of the Recovery Equity Fund (REF) has approved allocations up to €27.5 million to two investment funds. This move is set to support our SMEs and enhance Romania's competitiveness.

Here are the key details:

• €400 million allocated for this instrument under the loan component of the NRRP.
• We've already approved €212.5 million, supporting 11 investment funds and achieving 56% of our NRRP Target 248 (target: 50% by Q4 2024).
• Our partners at the European Investment Fund (EIF) are implementing this initiative.

The two funds receiving allocations are:

• Evolving Europe Principal Investment Fund II (€15 milion)
• Finance in Motion Renewables Growth Fund (€12.5 milion)

More info: bit.ly/406qENh

These allocations will help bridge the investment gap for equity investments in renewable energy projects and support the growth of SMEs and mid-caps in Romania and the CEE region.

#EIF #InvestInRomania #RenewableEnergy #SMEsupport #NRRP

NEW Opportunities: Over €4 Billion in EU Funding Available

I'm excited to share that the Ministerul Investi?iilor ?i Proiectelor Europene has published the calendar for upcoming calls for proposals under both national and regional programmes. As part of the Cohesion Policy 2021-2027, Romania has access to over €4 billion in EU funding to support various sectors for our long-term development.

These funds will support key areas including Research and Innovation, SMEs, Energy Efficiency, Urban Mobility, Education, Tourism, Biodiversity, Digitalization, Culture, Air Quality, Human Capital, Environment, Health, Poverty Reduction, Circular Economy, and Risk Management.

This funding is expected to contribute to:

• Job creation
• Infrastructure modernization
• Improved access to quality education
• Enhanced healthcare services
• Environmental protection
• Support for the transition to a green and digital economy
• Reduced social inequalities
• Promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship within SMEs

I encourage all eligible organizations and individuals to explore these opportunities and contribute to our nation's growth and progress.

#EUFunding #CohesionPolicy #SustainableDevelopment

Digital Romania: Our Journey to a Smart, Connected Nation

At the recent Cities of Tomorrow 2024 conference, organized by AHK Romania , I had the honor of speaking at the online roundtable on "Digitalization and Urban Governance." This event highlighted the critical role of digitalization in shaping Romania's future.

Romania benefits from over €3 billion in European funds for digitalization, allocated through the Cohesion Policy and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Among the key support programmes are:

? Regional Programmes:

€200 million for the digitalization of local public services through innovative platforms and smart city solutions.

€186 million for the digital transformation and upscaling of SMEs.

? Programme for Smart Growth, Digitalization, and Financial Instruments:

€12.9 million for European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), helping SMEs adopt advanced digital technologies.

€65 million for the Romanian Artificial Intelligence Hub, promoting research and innovation in the European research space.

These investments aim to improve public administration efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, connect communities to essential services, support economic growth, and enhance citizens' quality of life.

I emphasized that the digital transformation of cities is no longer optional; it's a necessity for Romania?to remain competitive within the European Union.?With the available resources and ongoing projects, we have the opportunity to create smarter, more connected, and more efficient urban environments that will benefit both communities and public administration.

#DigitalTransformation #SmartRomania #Innovation #EUFunds

???????? CENTRUL HOPE Universitate: Striving for a Normal Childhood

This week, I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony of the CENTRUL HOPE Universitate. This event marked a significant milestone in Romania's journey towards inclusive support for children with special needs, embodying their mission "for a normal childhood."

CENTRUL HOPE, established in 2015, is dedicated to providing quality therapy for children with special needs, focusing on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, and more. Their vision of creating a world where every parent facing developmental challenges finds a trusted partner deeply resonates with their values of continuous improvement and unwavering support.

As a mother of three boys, this initiative touches my heart profoundly. ?? I understand the joys and challenges of parenthood, and I can only imagine the additional support needed by families of children with special needs. CENTRUL HOPE's commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity for a normal childhood is not just admirable—it's essential. Their work reminds us that with the right support, every child can thrive, and every family can find hope.

#InclusiveSupport #CENTRULHOPE #NormalChildhood

?As we close this week's update, I'm encouraged by the progress we're making towards a more innovative and digitally transformed Romania. Each step brings us closer to our goals.

Let's continue to work together in driving positive change. I invite you to share your thoughts on these developments and how they might impact your work or community.

Until next week, stay curious and keep pushing boundaries!

Warm regards,

Teodora Preoteasa

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