Unlocking Romania’s Potential: Highlights from the Climate Change Summit on Global Collaboration for Innovation and Competitiveness

The recent Climate Change Summit showcased Romania’s growing importance in the global conversation on climate action. With over 1,300 leaders and innovators attending and more than a million online views, it’s clear that Romania is taking a significant role in shaping green policies. Messages of support came from high-profile figures like Romania’s President Nicușor Dan, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

This year’s summit was not just a gathering; it marked tangible progress. For instance, the Bucharest-Ilfov Green Belt project officially entered its operational phase. Additionally, the summit launched its second “State of the Climate” report, which details Romania’s climate achievements and outlines future goals. A new financing program to support sustainability projects was also introduced. During an intensive masterclass, over 100 companies began crafting their own decarbonization plans.

Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Europe’s ambition to become the world’s first climate-neutral continent. She stated, “The Climate Change Summit is an opportunity to learn from each other and to launch projects that will lead the way.” Similarly, President Dan highlighted Romania’s role in promoting regional climate solutions, aiming to bring together diverse stakeholders—politicians, scientists, and businesses. He stressed that collaboration is crucial for addressing challenges like energy transition and biodiversity protection.

Prime Minister Bolojan outlined the government’s commitment. He urged that projects need well-documented plans and confirmed financing to truly make an impact. Diana Buzoianu, the Minister of Environment, expressed the need for progressive legislation to enable just transitions. Meanwhile, Radu Miruță, the Minister of Economy, pointed out the importance of harmonizing regulations with business needs to foster sustainable solutions.

The summit also featured the Climate Change Summit Awards, which recognized innovative projects from Central and Eastern Europe. Denki-Tech, Smart Farm Robotix, and PLAI Cultural Center each received €5,000 for their impactful initiatives in smart cities, sustainable agriculture, and education, respectively.

Experts from around the globe, like Diana Ürge-Vorsatz from the IPCC, participated in discussions about renewable energy and the importance of smart cities in the green transition. The summit served as a platform for ongoing dialogue, stressing that the transition to sustainability is a shared responsibility among governments, businesses, and communities.

This year’s summit also kicked off CCS Week, a series of events from October 22–25 focused on climate action in local communities. Engaging local leaders and entrepreneurs, CCS Week features themed days that address various aspects of the sustainable transition, such as responsible investments and ecological education.

In a world increasingly aware of climate challenges, events like these highlight the collective effort needed to tackle them. By empowering communities and reinforcing collaborative action, Romania’s role as a climate leader is becoming more pronounced on the global stage.

For more insights on European climate initiatives, visit the European Commission’s [Climate Action page](https://ec.europa.eu/climate-action).

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