“Economic Trends 2025” Conference – A Strategic Landmark for a Year Marked by Economic and Geopolitical Transformations

The European Businesswomen’s Association (PEFA) is organizing the third edition of the “Economic Trends 2025” conference, an event dedicated to the economic challenges and opportunities of the year. The event will take place on March 31, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM, at the BNR Arenas in Bucharest.

The year 2025 is shaping up to be one marked by major economic and geopolitical transformations. This year’s edition will focus on three thematic panels that will explore in depth the main economic directions and development strategies.

The Macroeconomy Panel, moderated by Ionuț Stanimir, Marketing & Communication Director at BCR, will address challenges and solutions for economic stability. Discussions will cover the impact of global economic fluctuations on Romania, fiscal and monetary policies for 2025, and financial market outlooks.

The Business Panel, moderated by Adrian Ursu, journalist at Antena 3 CNN, will analyze strategies for business development in today’s context. Leading business representatives will explore solutions to help companies adapt to new market demands, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. The panel will highlight success stories, funding models, and practical advice for business growth.

The Energy Panel, moderated by Raluca Covrig, Public Affairs and Communication Director at the Energy Employers’ Federation, will focus on the energy transition and supply security. Officials from regulatory authorities and major energy companies will address key topics such as diversification of energy sources, investment in the sector, and the impact of European regulations on the local market.

Andreea Negru, President of PEFA, emphasized the essential role of this event for the business community and Romania’s economic development:

“The ‘Economic Trends 2025’ conference, now in its third edition under the patronage of the National Bank of Romania, represents a reference point for the business environment. In a year marked by economic and geopolitical changes, it is essential to provide companies and entrepreneurs with a platform for information and dialogue. We will focus on concrete solutions for economic stability, business growth, and strengthening the energy sector—a strategic pillar of the national economy.”

Lorena Stoian, First Vice President of PEFA, also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the business environment and the authorities in addressing economic challenges:

“2025 will be a year when flexibility and innovation are key to business success. Strategic partnerships and smart investments will make the difference between stagnation and economic development. Our conference will facilitate this essential dialogue between key economic players.”

The conference is organized with the support of strategic partners: the Department for Sustainable Development within the Romanian Government, the National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, IMM Romania, the Energy Employers’ Federation (FPE), PIMM Brașov, and the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest), along with the involvement of major economic players—event partners contributing to the discussions: Cloud 9 Residence Evolution, Cancom, IMSAT, BCR, CEC Bank, Banca Transilvania, Hidroelectrica SA, Transelectrica SA, Electrica SA, Exim Banca Românească, XTB, UNSAR, International Alexander, Reciclad’OR, the Romanian Counter-Guarantee Fund, DO Security, Advanced Business Software, Magnolia, Diana Dragomir & Associates, Cosmetrice, Moov Leasing, the Association for the Development of Romanian Entrepreneurship (ADAA), and DEEA Consulting & Communication.

Media Partners: Antena 3 CNN, TVR, Prima News, Profit.ro, Canal 33, Agerpres, Financial Intelligence, stiripesurse.ro, Club Economic, Economistul, Transilvania Business, Ziarul Bursa, I AM News, News One, InvesTenergy, The Diplomat Bucharest, V4 Media, EM360, Club Antreprenor, Focus Energetic, Money.ro, Energy Industry Review, Iubim Brașovul.

About PEFA

The European Businesswomen’s Association (PEFA) is a patronage organization and a member of IMM Romania—the only nationally representative confederation for SMEs. PEFA promotes and supports gender equality and the role and importance of women in society and the economy. The organization provides entrepreneurs with a strong platform to have their voices heard both nationally, in relations with central and local public authorities, and at the European level.

ECONOMIC TRENDS 2025 AGENDA

10:00–10:30 – Official Opening

• Cosmin MARINESCU – Vice-Governor of the National Bank of Romania

• Andreea NEGRU – President of PEFA

• Ștefan Radu OPREA – Head of the Prime Minister’s Chancellery

• Anca DRAGU – Governor of the National Bank of Moldova

• Florin JIANU – Senator of Romania

10:30–11:45 – MACROECONOMY PANEL
Opening (10:30–10:45):

• Lorena STOIAN – First Vice President of PEFA

• Tanczos BARNA – Minister of Public Finance (tbc)

• Alexandru PETRESCU – President of the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF)

Speakers (10:45–11:45):

• Dan ARMEANU – Vice President of ASF

• Teodora PREOTEASA – Director of EU Funds Management, Investment and Development Bank

• Alexandru CIUNCAN – President of UNSAR

• Andreea SURCEL – Member of the Management Board, Romanian Counter-Guarantee Fund (FRC)

• Dan MANOLESCU – President, Chamber of Tax Consultants

11:45–13:00 – BUSINESS PANEL
Opening (11:45–12:00):

• Bogdan IVAN – Minister of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism

• Sterica FUDULEA – President of the Economic and Social Council (CES)

Speakers (12:00–13:00):

• Theodor DUMBRAVĂ – Key Account Manager, Cancom Romania

• Radu PUIU – Research Analyst, XTB

• Marius BRÎNZEA – Strategy Director, Reciclad`OR

• Răzvan BRASLĂ – General Manager, Cloud9 Residence Evolution

• Valentin ȘTEFAN – General Director, Romanian Post

13:00–13:15 – COFFEE BREAK

13:15–14:30 – ENERGY PANEL
Opening (13:15–13:30):

• George NICULESCU – President of the National Energy Regulatory Authority (ANRE)

Speakers (13:30–14:30):

• Adriana PETCU – President of the National Authority for Regulation in Mining, Petroleum, and Carbon Storage

• Gabriel ANDRONACHE – Vice President of ANRE

• Răzvan POPESCU – General Director, Romgaz SA

• Alexandru CHIRIȚĂ – General Director, Electrica SA

• Karoly BORBELY – President of the Board, Hidroelectrica SA

• Virgiliu IVAN – Director, National Energy Dispatch Center, Transelectrica SA