Economic cooperation between Germany, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova is entering a new phase. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global supply chains, the three countries are seeking to deepen collaboration in strategic sectors, with a particular focus on industry, energy, innovation, and security.
These priorities were highlighted during the Economic Conference and networking events organized in Stuttgart by AHK Romania and the German Eastern Business Association (OA). The event attracted more than 350 participants, including senior government representatives, industry associations, and business leaders from all three countries.
Industry and Investment Drive Regional Growth
Participants emphasized that industrial cooperation and the relocation of manufacturing capacities closer to European markets will be among the main drivers of future growth.
Sebastian Metz, Managing Director of AHK Romania, stated that industry, energy, and defense are becoming the primary pillars of trilateral cooperation. According to him, future-oriented technologies such as hydrogen solutions and advanced IT systems will play a central role in strengthening competitiveness and economic resilience.
German officials also highlighted Romania’s growing importance as a regional industrial and investment hub. Winfried Kretschmann, Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, described Romania as the state’s most important trading partner in Southeastern Europe and a key destination for German investment.
Today, more than 100 companies from Baden-Württemberg operate in Romania, employing approximately 70,000 people and generating an annual turnover of €18 billion. These figures underline the high level of economic integration between Germany and Romania while creating a solid foundation for expanding cooperation with Moldova.
Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, noted that the close relationship between Romania and Moldova provides valuable opportunities for German businesses seeking to expand their presence in the region.
Energy, Digitalization and Security Take Center Stage
Alongside industrial development, participants devoted significant attention to energy security and digital transformation.
Conference speakers stressed that stronger energy interconnections and investments in clean technologies could contribute substantially to regional stability and economic security. These efforts are closely aligned with Europe’s broader decarbonization agenda and the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal.
Representing the Romanian government, Deputy Prime Minister Oana-Clara Georgescu reaffirmed the country’s commitment to digitalization, state-owned enterprise reform, and fiscal discipline as essential components of a favorable business environment.
For Moldova, cybersecurity and digital resilience remain top priorities. Deputy Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu emphasized the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure and cyber defense capabilities, particularly in light of cyberattacks and external interference attempts experienced during recent elections.
Regional security was another major topic throughout the conference. Participants discussed the need to strengthen defense capabilities, reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, and improve preparedness against hybrid threats.
Mihai Jurca, Head of the Romanian Prime Minister’s Chancellery, highlighted the close connection between economic resilience and security, noting that the automotive industry can serve both economic and strategic purposes, including support for defense-related production.
The Stuttgart conference forms part of a broader initiative by AHK Romania to promote trilateral investment, trade, and industrial cooperation while supporting the expansion of Romanian companies into the German market. As Europe adapts to changing geopolitical realities and evolving supply chains, Germany, Romania, and Moldova are positioning themselves to build a stronger economic partnership capable of delivering sustainable growth, technological innovation, and regional stability in the years ahead.
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