Chisinau/Iasi – ESI analysts co-organize Baden-Baden Entrepreneur Talks study trip to the Republic of Moldova and Romania
20 June 2024
Dorin Recean, prime minister of the Republic of Moldova, Gerald Knaus. Photo: ESI
From 20-23 June 2024, ESI analysts Kristof Bender, Gerald Knaus, and Katharina Knaus co-organized with the Baden-Baden Entrepreneur Talks (BBUG) a study trip to Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, and Iasi, in Romania. It brought together 70 German top executives, business leaders, and entrepreneurs.
Based on our research in Moldova and Romania, our analysts organised meetings with decision-makers and civil society in both countries. The journey began in Chisinau with an introduction by Gerald Knaus about the instability of countries neighbouring the EU, including Moldova, since the 1990s.
The second day started with a guided tour of Chisinau’s city centre by our analysts, covering the history from communism and its fall to today’s pro-European and democratic government.
Later, the group visited the Digital Park in Chisinau, where Gerald Knaus moderated a discussion with Dorin Recean, prime minister of the Republic of Moldova.
The group also engaged in discussions with other Moldovan decision-makers.
Kristof Bender with Victor Parlicov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Moldova. Photo: ESI
Carolina Bogatiuc, former chief of Staff to Moldova's Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. Photo: ESI
Gerald Knaus moderated a discussion with Viorel Garaz, secretary of state under the minister of economy, Stanislav Secrieru, national security advisor to the president of the Republic of Moldova and Cisleanu Radu, director of the Agency Military Information of the ministry of defence.
Stanislav Secrieru, Cisleanu Radu and Gerald Knaus. Photo: ESI
On the third day, the group travelled by train from Chisinau to Iasi, Romania.
Train Station in Chisinau. Photo: Kristof Bender
After a visit of Continental Automotive Romania, one of the biggest employers in Iasi, our analysts organized a debate on the cultural life & dynamics in the Culture House Mihai Ursachi, Park Copou.
Gerald and Kristof with Florin Lăzărescu, Author and Founder of FILIT - The Iași International Festival of Literature and Translation and Petra Carina Stadoleanu, Museographer. Photo: ESI
Culture House Mihai Ursachi, Park Copou, Iasi. Photo: ESI
Gerald, Katharina, Kristof. Photo: ESI
On the last day, our analysts organised a guided tour through the historical town of Iasi, before Mihai Chirica, mayor of Iasi, welcomed us in the palace of Culture.
Mihai Chirica, mayor of Iasi, Palace of Culture, Iasi. Photo: ESI
The study trip allowed participants to interact with Moldovan and Romanian policymakers and entrepreneurs, gaining a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges characterising Romania, which joined the EU in 2007, and the Republic of Moldova, which applied for EU membership in 2022. It also provided an opportunity for the ESI team to share their research findings and strategic proposals.
Carolina Bogatiuc, Katharina Knaus, Gerald Knaus and Kristof Bender, preparing the visit in Chisinau, Vienna, May 2024. Photo: ESI
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