Forumul Economic Regional Moldova – 2024
FERM 2024 | Message from the Executive Director of the Suceava Regional Cross-Border Cooperation Office, Cezar GROZAVU
Panel “INVESTMENTS”
Module VI – Romania – Ukraine, XVIII Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024
SPEAKER – Cezar GROZAVU – Executive Director of the Suceava Regional Cross-Border Cooperation Office
TOPIC: “Improving Cross-Border Infrastructure in the Border Area between Romania and Ukraine”
Cezar Grozavu, Executive Director of the Suceava Regional Cross-Border Cooperation Office, delivered a presentation at the “Investments Panel”, Module VI – Romania – Ukraine, based on the experience of the BRCT Suceava regarding the importance of cross-border cooperation and current challenges in this field.
„Good evening! I am honored to be here and thank you for the invitation. It is a pleasure to share my experience in both regional development and cross-border cooperation”, began Cezar Grozavu’s presentation.
Lessons in Regional Development
The Executive Director of the Suceava Regional Cross-Border Cooperation Office highlighted the progress made in Romania’s development regions, emphasizing the importance of a relevant case study.
„In the North-West development region, we have managed, during a programming period, to make significant progress, surpassing other regions in the country and Europe. It is a very important case study for us and one that can also be applied in cooperation with our neighbors in Ukraine”, stated Cezar Grozavu.
Challenges in cross-border cooperation
His intervention addressed the critical points of cross-border cooperation, especially in the current context of the war and restrictions in Ukraine.
„Borders, war and its effects, martial law, current restrictions, lack of human resources, and front-line mobilization are just some of the major challenges. The list of problems in implementing a project can be much longer and more complex”, explained Cezar Grozavu.
Although there are many obstacles, Cezar Grozavu emphasized the commitment to supporting beneficiaries in Ukraine.
„We do not hesitate to make any effort to be with our beneficiaries in Ukraine. I want to thank the Consulate for the assistance provided, which allowed us to conduct monitoring visits both in Romania and Ukraine”, continued the Executive Director of BRCT Suceava.
Role of european funds
In the context of using European funds, he mentioned the importance of these resources for the development of communities on both sides of the border.
„Expectations are very high regarding these funds, and we are trying, with relatively small amounts, to have relevant projects that bring concrete changes. This forum manages to bring together important actors who will play a crucial role in regional development”, noted Cezar Grozavu.
Perspectives and expectations
Cezar Grozavu also presented the strategic and in-depth collaboration with Ukraine, which aspires to integration and development, emphasizing that strong partnerships between Romanian and Ukrainian entities are crucial for the success of joint projects. This consolidated collaboration is fundamental to maximizing the impact of initiatives and achieving common regional development goals.
„I want you to have direct insights from our guests from Ukraine, from the Regional Development Agency and the administration in Chernivtsi. It is essential to understand their challenges and how we can help achieve common European integration goals”, concluded the Executive Director of the Suceava Regional Cross-Border Cooperation Office.
His presentation highlighted not only the major challenges faced by cross-border cooperation in the current context but also the commitment and hope for a better future through collaboration and the effective use of European funds.
