The quieter first days of this year gave me valuable space to structure goals, priorities, and key initiatives for 2026 with clarity and foresight.
It is becoming increasingly clear that 2026 will be a year in which existing initiatives are not only continued but deepened and expanded. The objective is to position Romania as a reliable, respected, and credible European partner. In the fields of investment, quality tourism, smart mobility, and international connectivity.
After an intensive year 2025, driven by tangible results, trust, and strong partnerships, 2026 begins with a mature, coherent agenda that is consciously focused on impact.
Economic diplomacy. Romania as a destination of excellence
A central guiding theme for 2026 remains active economic diplomacy. At its core lies the conviction that Romania must become more visible, more understandable, and more experiential as an attractive and competitive investment location and as a high quality tourism destination with a clear identity and authentic character.
International formats of integrated location promotion will be consistently continued, inspired by the successful Munich model. Romanian regions were not merely presented but told as stories. Through culture, cuisine, and representative wines as bridges between economy, identity, and emotion.
For 2026, comparable initiatives are planned in:
-
Germany
-
Austria
-
Switzerland
-
Spain
-
Poland
in close cooperation with Romanian embassies and consulates, chambers of commerce, and business networks. The goal is modern, credible nation branding through experience and personal encounter.
Smart Airport Cities. Connectivity as a driver of intelligent development
Another strategic key project for 2026 is the continuation and expansion of the Smart Airport Cities initiative.
The concept connects intelligent urban and regional development, modern airport infrastructure, and sustainable national and international connectivity.
In 2026, the project will be advanced concretely in:
-
Ghimbav
-
Oradea
-
Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
Through thematic expert meetings and specialized conferences, European experts, representatives of central and local administrations, and professionals from aviation, mobility, and connectivity will be brought together.
The shared goal is to transform airport locations into vibrant hubs of economic, technological, and urban development. Open, connected, and European.
Intelligent and electric mobility. Romania as an open future lab
Intelligent and electric mobility will remain a key pillar of my engagement in 2026. Alongside structured knowledge transfer, dialogue formats, and expert conferences, the Transylvania eClassic electric vehicle rallies will once again play a central role. They have meanwhile become a recognized regional flagship.
In 2026, stages will include:
-
Sibiu
-
Reșița
-
Sinaia and Valea Doftanei
-
Iași, Moldova, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
They uniquely combine technological innovation with natural beauty and regional identity. The objective is to make electric mobility tangible as a practical, attractive, and future ready solution, while simultaneously positioning exceptional destinations with greater visibility.
Personal vision. Growth of incoming tourism
A personal priority for the coming years is the targeted expansion of incoming tourism. Together with committed private partners, tourism organizations, and international networks.
The goal is ambitious yet well grounded:
-
doubling the number of international visitors within three years
-
with an initial growth of 20 to 30 percent already in 2026
Key focus markets include Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, and Israel.
The emphasis is clearly on quality over quantity. On authentic experiences, cultural depth, events, extended seasons. Not on mass tourism.
My personal flagship project. Electric aviation and innovation Made in Romania
Particularly close to my heart is the vision of developing Romania into a relevant location for electric aviation and high tech innovation.
Elektra Solar at Brașov Airport
My aspiration is that the five seat electric aircraft developed in Bavaria by Brașov born engineer Călin Gologan will be produced in Romania. Further developed within a strong local high tech ecosystem and, in the medium term, introduced to international markets.
This would be far more than an industrial success. It would be a powerful and hopeful signal that Romania can be a creator, not merely a user, of the technologies of tomorrow.
2026. A shared path forward
All these initiatives are united by one shared conviction.
Romania convinces through substance, partnership, and action.
Through applied economic diplomacy, intelligent mobility, quality focused tourism, and connected urban development, 2026 should become the year in which visions continue to grow, responsibility creates impact, and trust is deepened.
Great things will come in 2026.
