Day One Highlights: Economist Romania Government Roundtable 2026 Opens in Bucharest

The first day of the Economist Romania Government Roundtable 2026 opened in Bucharest with a strong and forward-looking agenda, bringing together political leaders, economists, and business representatives to address the defining challenges and opportunities for Southeast Europe. Designed as a high-level platform for dialogue, the event—organized by The Economist group through Economist Impact—aims to connect decision-makers across sectors and foster solutions on key regional and European priorities.

What the Roundtable Is About

The 2026 edition, taking place from March 30 to April 1, focuses on a broad spectrum of topics, including geopolitical transformations, the security of Europe’s eastern border, energy resilience, the green transition, artificial intelligence, infrastructure development, and labor market dynamics. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, the Roundtable sets out to define what the “next leap forward” for Southeast Europe could look like.

A Strong Political Opening

The opening session featured keynote messages from Nicușor Dan and, via video, Maia Sandu, both emphasizing the importance of unity and coordinated action in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

President Nicușor Dan reaffirmed Romania’s European trajectory, highlighting both the benefits of EU membership and the need for deeper integration moving forward. “We support the completion of a European single market because in the economy you are more competitive the larger you are,” he noted, pointing in particular to the need for a unified energy market to address disparities that affect competitiveness.

He also underlined the importance of future EU reforms and budget priorities, stressing that upcoming decisions must contribute to reducing development gaps rather than widening them. His message placed Romania firmly within the broader European effort to strengthen competitiveness while maintaining cohesion.

In her address, Maia Sandu offered a wider regional perspective, describing Southeast Europe as being at a critical juncture. “Our freedom and democracy are under threat. Even truth has become a frontline,” she said, highlighting the complex pressures facing the region. Reflecting on Moldova’s recent experience—from the war in Ukraine to energy and economic shocks—she emphasized resilience and solidarity, noting that “no country can face today’s challenges alone,” and underscoring Romania’s consistent support in strengthening connectivity and stability.

Economic Stability in a Volatile Context

Economic stability in an increasingly volatile global context was another central theme of the day. Mugur Isărescu emphasized the complexity of maintaining balance amid overlapping shocks, from geopolitical tensions to energy price volatility. “Ensuring economic stability is an active public policy objective… Stability is the foundation on which investment, innovation and social progress can thrive,” he stated, while also pointing to structural vulnerabilities such as fiscal imbalances and external financing pressures.

At the European level, Yannis Stournaras highlighted both the progress made and the challenges that remain, particularly in the context of financial fragmentation. He stressed that the current moment presents a unique opportunity for reform, noting that “a window of political opportunity is open… [and] will not remain open indefinitely,” calling for stronger integration and coordinated action across the European Union.

Democracy, Inclusion, and Competitiveness

The discussion then turned to the broader challenges facing liberal democracies and the global economic model, with contributions from Daron Acemoglu and Enrico Letta.

Acemoglu highlighted the social costs of recent decades of globalization, warning that economic progress has not been evenly shared. “Many people have been left behind. This is the great failure of the last 30 years,” he said, linking these dynamics to the rise of populism and growing dissatisfaction with democratic systems. He argued that the answer lies not only in defending existing institutions, but in fundamentally rethinking them to ensure that citizens feel represented and included.

Watch the Sessions

The sessions held on the first day, as well as the full conference, are available to watch online free of charge via Economist Impact platforms, including their official website and YouTube channel. Recordings will remain accessible after the event, offering continued access to the insights and discussions shaping the region’s future.

Looking Ahead

As the Roundtable continues through April 1, discussions will further explore critical themes such as energy security, infrastructure investment, artificial intelligence, and the future of Europe’s economic and institutional architecture. With a strong opening and a clear focus on both challenges and solutions, the first day confirmed the event’s role as a key forum for shaping the conversation on Southeast Europe’s next phase of development.

Watch the Day 1 highlights video: https://youtu.be/E3vuy750mek