At a time when small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) demonstrate that they are vital for the economic dynamism of Romania and the European Union, the Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (OFA) recently organized the inaugural debate on the strategic document „30 for 2030 – Priorities for Romanian SMEs”.
The event took place on June 14th, in partnership with the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, and was hosted by Mrs. Teodora Preoteasa, secretary of state.
Many relevant organizations and institutions participated in this first debate, including: the European Economic and Social Committee; the ”Concordia” Employers’ Confederation; the National Employers’ Organization of Business Women in SMEs; the Coalition for the Development of Romania; Professional Women’s Network; Romanian Business Leaders; the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; the European Investment Bank; the Romanian Association of Banks; the ”EuroPuls” European Expertise Center; the ”fonduri-structurale.ro” community and the ”consilid8” green tech and sustainability festival; EfdeN; the ”Sustainable Romania” Coalition and the ”Sustainability Embassy” in Romania.
The „30 for 2030” document is designed as a catalyst for essential discussions with all relevant stakeholders, both at the national and European levels. It aims to lead to customized solutions that fit the Romanian context and support the growth, resilience and competitive sustainability of SMEs in Romania. The document is also a tool to facilitate a constructive, open and transparent partnership, encouraging social dialogue and collaboration between all parties involved.
30 for 2030 – Priorities for Romanian SMEs
The inaugural debate is just the beginning of a wide-ranging consultation process. In the following weeks, the relevant stakeholders who wish to be involved in this structured dialogue platform will designate experts with whom the Organization of Women Entrepreneurs can work on the discussion document. The expert teams thus configured will address the six categories of priorities identified in the document:
- Technological advancement and digital transformation;
- Environmental sustainability and energy efficiency and independence;
- Financial stability and access to resources;
- Social inclusion, gender equality and empowerment;
- Education, skills development and workforce adaptability;
- Regulatory and infrastructure improvements.
Also, six thematic debates will be organized in Cluj-Napoca, Târgu-Jiu, Târgu-Mureș, Iași, Bucharest and also in Brussels, between September 2024 and May 2025.
The purpose of these working groups and meetings, respectively, is to integrate the valuable input that all dialogue partners will have, with OFA publishing the revised document in June 2025, reflecting the proposals and comments received.
The Organization of Women Entrepreneurs reaffirms its steady commitment to support SMEs in Romania (and not only) through this strategic project that promotes innovation and competitive sustainability, and invites all relevant actors to join this effort to jointly shape the economic future of Romania and of Europe.
Statements:
Teodora Preoteasa, secretary of state within MIPE, emphasized the importance of this project, declaring: „I enthusiastically join this ambitious effort represented by the project „30 for 2030 – Priorities for SMEs in Romania”, an instrument that will contribute to identifying and implementing customized solutions so that SMEs in all regions, including the least developed, become competitive and thrive in an ever-changing market.
I invite everyone to join this remarkable endeavor and the MIPE team will actively participate in all expert working groups as well as the thematic debates that will take place in the coming months, including future discussions that we will coordinate regarding the post-2027 Cohesion Policy.”
„Small and medium enterprises are the vital pillars of the economy, both in Romania and in Europe. It is of utmost importance that we develop a business environment that is inclusive and values diversity. At the Organization of Women Entrepreneurs, we have dedicated ourselves to supporting women entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs, groups that bring valuable perspectives and innovative ideas that can redefine the SME landscape in Romania.
Through our initiatives, we aim to remove barriers and facilitate access to essential resources, mentorship and collaboration opportunities. In this way, we will strengthen SMEs, better preparing them for future challenges”, said Mirabela Miron, president of OFA.
„The purpose of our strategic document is to support development and the competitive sustainability of Romanian SMEs in the next decade. We have included essential aspects such as technological innovation and the implementation of practices related to the green transition, aimed at strengthening the position of small and medium-sized companies on the national and European market.
The launch of this applied dialogue platform marks a crucial step towards the development of a robust and dynamic SME sector. We invite the associative structures of entrepreneurs, political decision-makers at the national and European levels, as well as the whole community to join this ambitious endeavour. We are committed to the principle that „No one should be left behind!”, ensuring that SMEs in all regions have access to the resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing economy. This commitment underlines our dedication to economic, social and territorial cohesive development, in accordance with European values”, said Ana-Maria Icătoiu, OFA vice-president.
About OFA:
The Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (OFA) is committed to fostering the growth and development of women entrepreneurship across the economic spectrum, in particular, and society, in general.
Through social dialogue, advocacy, expertise, education and resource provision, OFA strives to create an enabling environment where women-led businesses thrive alongside their male counterparts, contributing to a vibrant and diverse economic landscape.