Romania has received favorable approval from the OECD for accession to the Regional Development Policy

The formal approval was adopted on July 8, 2024, and includes a series of recommendations aimed at improving the policy framework, governance, and financing in the field of regional development.

Romania’s evaluation took place on May 16, 2024, led by a delegation headed by Marcel-Alexandru Stoica, State Secretary in the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration, which serves as the focal point for this assessment process.

The Ministry highlighted that the approval confirms Romania’s commitment to implementing OECD legal instruments falling under the purview of the Regional Development Policy Committee, as well as aligning with OECD policies and practices in regional development.

“The formal approval recognizes Romania’s efforts in strengthening regional development policy, including through the development of a robust system of territorial statistics, the adoption of a localized approach in regional development, and the implementation of strategic documents at regional, county, and local levels,” stated the Ministry of Development.

Implementation of the recommendations included in the formal approval will be overseen by the Ministry of Development, Public Works, and Administration. These recommendations focus on collecting and using data on regional development, urban and rural development strategies, efficient multi-level governance, and institutional and fiscal capacity of subnational governments.

The recommendations align with the five fundamental accession principles of the Regional Development Policy Committee and will contribute to consolidating Romania’s position within the OECD in the field of regional development.