FERM 2024 | Vasile ASANDEI: „There is a perspective, a horizon, and that is Ukraine’s integration into the European Union”

Panel “INVESTMENTS”

Module VI – Romania – Ukraine, 18th Edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum, Vatra Dornei, 2024

SPEAKER – Vasile ASANDEI – General Director of ADR NE and President of ROREG

TOPIC: „Cross-border collaboration and resilience”

During the „Investments Panel”, Vasile Asandei, General Director of ADR NE, delivered a message about the importance of collaboration between Romania and Ukraine and the resilience needed in the face of current challenges.

„Thank you for your patience with me today. We have spoken many times, but collaboration with Ukraine, with our friends and partners in Ukraine, is a concern for us and a pleasure to be alongside them”, stated Vasile Asandei, General Director of ADR NE, at the beginning of his message.

Experience and deep understanding

Vasile Asandei emphasized the importance of the experience and lessons learned during his visits to Ukraine.

„I have made three visits to Ukraine and met with several administrations there. Mr. Tatusiak Serhiy is an old friend. I have also seen a great determination and potential there”, noted the General Director of ADR NE, showing his appreciation for his Ukrainian partners.

He also highlighted that Ukraine’s integration into the European Union is an essential goal and hope for the future.

„There is a perspective, a horizon, and that is Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and Moldova’s integration into the European Union, which I hope will happen in a relatively short time.”

Lessons in resilience

A central point of the intervention was the extraordinary resilience of Ukraine in the face of difficulties.

„I believe we have much to learn from our Ukrainian friends and neighbors on how to withstand near-limit trials, how to navigate through crises and severe dramas, and how to continue to survive”, stated Vasile Asandei, emphasizing the valuable lessons Romania can learn from Ukraine’s experience.

Partnerships and joint projects

The General Director of ADR NE highlighted the importance of cross-border projects and international collaborations.

„We also have a very broad partnership with other institutions, bodies, and countries, as the EU has been a region lagging behind with many development challenges. We have tried to implement projects in partnership with institutions from other countries”, stated Vasile Asandei, explaining efforts to create networks that bring development.

Additionally, the General Director of ADR NE spoke about the concept of „constellation of actors” a network of entities that collaborate effectively to overcome challenges.

„We need to create a constellation. A constellation of actors who know their roles and responsibilities very well, who can rely on each other within the constellation, and who have a relationship of trust, a practical and lasting relationship.”

Another important aspect addressed by Vasile Asandei was the need to be not just resilient but also antifragile

„Challenges and changes can arise at any time. Therefore, it is important to be resilient and, moreover, to be antifragile, to try to go through crisis situations and come out stronger”, explained Vasile Asandei, highlighting the need to learn from crises and emerge stronger.

The General Director of ADR NE concluded his intervention with a message of solidarity and support for Ukraine.

„Once again, dear friends from Ukraine, I assure you of our support, as much as we can. We share with you our experiences and lessons learned, including the things we should say no to or mistakes we have made. Thank you!”

His intervention highlighted the importance of collaboration, resilience, and continuous learning in the face of challenges, offering an inspirational example of leadership and commitment to regional development and European integration.