Региональный экономический форум Молдовы 2025
Adrian CIOBANU, Mayor of Cordun Commune, Neamț, at FERM 2025: “European funds are just a starter. The real stake is the local economy”
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
European and Governmental Funds: Opportunities, Challenges and Cross-Border Cooperation
Speaker:
Adrian Ciobanu – Mayor of Cordun Commune, Neamț County
Topic of the speech:
“The need to simplify and adapt European funding programs to local realities, in order to truly support local economic development”
During the Panel 2 – European and Governmental Funds: Opportunities, Challenges and Cross-Border Cooperation, held on the first day of the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025, the mayor of Cordun Commune (Neamț), Adrian Ciobanu, offered a direct and honest perspective on how European funds influence the development of local communities—and what systemic barriers stand in the way of real progress.
From the back of the room to real opportunities
“Last year I sat in the back of the room, this year I came to the front,” admitted Adrian Ciobanu, explaining that his active presence at FERM 2025 was more than symbolic.
His previous visit to the forum brought valuable contacts, including a potential investor interested in Cordun and the Roman area.
“For me, as mayor, last year’s visit was beneficial. Now I’m in discussions with an investor who wants to make an investment in Cordun – and that’s thanks to my presence here.”
Harsh criticism of central authorities
The mayor expressed his deep dissatisfaction with how central authorities manage their dialogue with local administrations.
“Four years ago, a state secretary took out a pen and paper and started writing down what I was telling him. I got upset and left. It’s unacceptable that ministry experts are not grounded in the realities of the field.”
Adrian Ciobanu argued that every European funding program must begin with a real diagnosis of the problems faced by Romanian society. Only after such analysis can truly impactful funding lines be opened. Without this, accessing funds becomes an absurd game.
“Each funding program is like an Easter egg hunt. The benefits are hidden in the trees, where you can’t find them. It’s a hunt, not real support for development.”
“You need two consultants for one project!” – the bureaucratic reality
Another major obstacle, highlighted with frustration, is the unnecessary complexity of procedures.
“It’s a sad situation. I hope some of the government officials will understand and simplify things. Otherwise, we won’t manage to absorb the available funds.”
The mayor compared the implementation of a European project to a long-distance race.
“For each investment objective, I realized that with a European project, you need three years of patience before putting the shovel in the ground.”
Vision for development: European funds as a means, not an end
Despite all these obstacles, Adrian Ciobanu expressed his belief that European funds remain a valuable tool, but they cannot replace local economic vision.
“For me, European funds are just a starter. I see the local economy as the main goal.”
He emphasized that in recent years, Cordun has managed to attract significant private investments, turning the commune into a point of interest for businesspeople.
“I managed to convince many investors to come to Cordun. We have a large, well-developed economy. It’s the result of sustained work and a constant openness to partnerships.”
An open call to investors: “You’re welcome in Cordun!”
In a pragmatic tone, Adrian Ciobanu ended his speech with a direct appeal to the investors present.
“I’m here because I want to know if there are any potential investors in the room. I’m at your disposal. Come visit the Roman area, the heart of Moldova. I also came to promote my community.”
He announced that he would detail, in the following day, concrete investment opportunities in his commune, highlighting the high potential of the area.
Conclusion: between realism, determination, and local vision
Mayor Adrian Ciobanu’s intervention was one of the most direct and sincere within the panel dedicated to European funds at FERM 2025. It reflected the everyday realities of local administration, systemic frustrations, but also a lucid, results-oriented approach.
Cordun is not just a commune in Neamț County. Thanks to its local leader’s vision, it becomes a model community that refuses stagnation and understands that real development starts with people, on the ground – not in offices in the capital.
