???? Shaping Europe's Future: From Policy to Progress

Welcome to My Weekly Insights! ?? Due to an incredibly busy schedule filled with meetings and events that demanded my full attention, I missed sending my usual newsletter last week. Today, I'm back with a special edition, offering valuable insights from my latest professional journey!

?I hope this arrives just in time before your thoughts begin to drift towards a well-deserved vacation. ?? Ready for some serious inspiration? Let's dive in!

Link between Cohesion Policy and the future EU's Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 ??

Have you ever seen the meeting room at the General Affairs Council? It's not only impressive, but it also constantly reminds me of the profound honor and immense responsibility we have to find solutions that ensure a better and more equitable future for all regions, including my beloved country, Romania, and the other EU states.

During this meeting, I advocated for the Cohesion Policy to remain the main EU instrument for long-term and regional investment and a driver of structural transformation.

?? Key Highlights:

1.???? Adequate budgetary means are essential for a transformative and modern Cohesion Policy.

2.???? Maintaining core principles like shared management, the partnership principle, multi-level governance, and the place-based approach is crucial for the policy's high EU added value.

3.???? A robust and flexible Cohesion Policy is needed to promote competitiveness and resilience in addressing the EU's current challenges.

#CohesionPolicy #EU2024 #EuropeanInvestment #CAG

Powerful minds come together: Women leaders in the public sector ????

Our recent working lunch with women leaders in the public sector reinforced an important truth: empowered women empower women. Together, we transform challenges into opportunities!

Our partnership with The World Bank Group is invaluable, aiding our growth by improving EU fund absorption, strategic development, institutional strengthening, and knowledge transfer.

?? Key Initiatives:

1. Strengthening strategic development and institutional capacity.
2. Enhancing absorption and effective use of EU funds.
3. Innovating for predictability in the business environment.

My sincere thanks to Anna Akhalkatsi , Marina Wes , and Antonella Bassani for this insightful session.

#WomenInLeadership #WorldBank #EUFunds

Supporting SMEs: "30 for 2030" Blueprint ??

I'm proud to support the ambitious "30 for 2030 – Priorities for Romanian SMEs" project, developed by the inspiring leaders of the Organiza?ia Femeilor Antreprenor (OFA) , including Mirabela Miron and Ana-Maria Icatoiu .

This blueprint serves as a catalyst for discussions with stakeholders to identify and implement tailored solutions for Romanian SMEs, helping them thrive and compete in a rapidly evolving market.

Explore the BLUEPRINT here:?https://ofaugir.ro/30-for-2030-priorities-for-romanian-smes/

?? Progress Highlights:

1.???? 48 project calls launched for the business sector, totaling approximately €3 billion euro.

2.???? 110 project calls worth approximately €3.2 billion euro planned for 2024.

3.???? Romania achieved a 97% absorption rate of 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy funds, placing it fourth among EU member states.

Learn more about funding opportunities here:?https://mfe.gov.ro/calendar-apeluri-de-proiecte/

Green Energy: Financing Our Sustainable Future

?? In today's global shift towards sustainability, robust financial mechanisms supporting green energy are essential. We're focused on maximizing national and EU fund absorption through instruments like the Modernization Fund, Sustainable Development Programme, National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), and Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

?? Key Areas of Focus:

1.???? Energy efficiency in SMEs and large enterprises.

2.???? Investments in energy from biomass/biogas and geothermal water.

3.???? Modernization of gas networks to incorporate renewable and low-carbon gases.

4.???? Energy efficiency in public and residential buildings.

5.???? Renewable energy in rural communities.

?? Andrei Manea and Liviu Gavrila , thank you for inviting me to the "Connecting the Financing Dots" workshop and for the opportunity to discuss green investments and market challenges.

#GreenEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Financing #Sustainability #EuropeanFunds

STEP: The future of European Tech Innovation ??

Meeting with the Interministerial Committee for Coordination and Monitoring of Romania's Participation in the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), focused on analyzing how funds from the 2021-2027 programs can be utilized to support a wide range of beneficiaries. These include SMEs (including start-ups), mid-caps, large companies, universities, research and technology organizations, non-profits, and public entities.

??Key Support Areas:

1.???? Equity support for non-bankable SMEs and start-ups.

2.???? Equity and debt support for EU companies through InvestEU.

3.???? Grants for digital technologies, clean technologies, and biotechnologies.

Explore funding opportunities:?https://strategic-technologies.europa.eu/get-funding_en

#STEP #EUTech #InnovationFunding

Government Meeting: Coordinating for Progress

These meetings are held frequently with the specific purpose of maintaining close communication between the Ministerul Investi?iilor ?i Proiectelor Europene and the coordinators of reforms and investments to accelerate the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).

This coordination is vital for maximizing the absorption of EU funds in Romania. Regular discussions ensure that all stakeholders are aligned on priorities, challenges, and progress in implementing the NRRP's various components.

By maintaining this strong collaborative approach, we aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our efforts, ensuring that Romania fully leverages the opportunities provided by EU funding to drive sustainable growth and development.

?? What areas do you think should be prioritized in Romania's development? Share your thoughts!

#RomaniaProgress #EUFunds #NRRP

NRRP Progress: Engaging with SME Beneficiaries

We continue our series of regular meetings with beneficiaries of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). This time, we had a productive session with the National Council of Small and Medium-Sized Private Enterprises in Romania (CNIPMMR). These meetings are valuable because they help us understand the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs, ensuring we can facilitate efficient absorption of European funds and adjust our support effectively.

?? What do you think are the biggest challenges for SMEs in accessing EU funds? Share your thoughts!

#NRRP #SMEsupport #EUFundAbsorption

What a journey we've been on today! From shaping policies to empowering entrepreneurs, we're working tirelessly to build a stronger, greener, and more innovative Europe. ????

I know your thoughts may be turning to well-deserved vacations. Wherever your adventures take you, carry with you the knowledge that together, we're crafting a brighter future for all. Have a fantastic summer, and remember – the future is bright, and together, we're making it even brighter! ??

I look forward to reconnecting with you all, refreshed and ready to continue our important work. Until then, keep innovating, keep inspiring, and keep believing in the power of a united Europe! See you next time, change-makers!

Warm regards,

Teodora Preoteasa