Professor Daron Acemoglu, winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2024 and one of the most influential contemporary economists, is coming to Romania to participate in the most important regional platform for dialogue between governments, institutions, the business community, and specialists, organized in Bucharest between March 30 and April 1, 2026, by the prestigious publication The Economist: The Economist Romania Government Roundtable 2026.
Recognized globally for his contributions on the role of institutions in economic development, the dynamics of democracy, and the impact of technology and AI on society, Acemoglu is a professor at MIT and co-author of seminal works on the prosperity of nations. He is an authority in debates on the future of emerging economies and modern democracies. Researchers Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics “for their studies of how institutions are formed and influence prosperity.” They have shown that societies with “extractive” political and economic institutions, which prevent citizens from participating in government and exploit them for the benefit of a ruling elite, are less prosperous than societies with inclusive institutions that respect the rule of law.
Professor Daron Acemoglu will be the keynote speaker in a unique debate on March 30, 2026, with NBR Governor Mugur Isărescu and Bank of Greece Governor Yannis Stournaras, in the opening session of the government-level round table organized in Bucharest by The Economist group, with the support of RCI Holding.
Two prominent figures from the British publishing group will host the round table discussion, whose theme is “South-east Europe’s Next leap forward.” They will moderate discussions between institutional actors and business representatives with the rigor and expertise characteristic of The Economist:
Joan Hoey, editor of the Democracy Index and consultant for Europe at Economist Intelligence – a recognized expert in the analysis of democratic processes and the quality of governance globally.
Alasdair Ross, editor for global affairs, economics, strategy, and risk at The Economist – a specialist in geopolitics, global economics, and systemic risk assessment.
A first-time event for Romania organized by The Economist
Economist Romania Government Roundtable 2026 is the first high-level regional conference of its kind organized in Romania by the prestigious Economist Group, to create a framework in which government leaders from Romania and Central and Southeast Europe, representatives of European institutions, decision-makers, representatives of the business community, and international experts can discuss the most relevant developments, trends and risks for the economic development of the EU and the region, security and defense, energy and infrastructure, technology, digitization and AI, financial policies, investments, and health policies. Discussions will address topics such as the future of Ukraine, European unity and solidarity, security and foreign policy challenges, NATO, energy security and transition, technology and innovation, investment and economic growth, transport and infrastructure, as well as sustainability and finance, etc..
The full conference agenda will be published soon at this link. Confirmed participants already include Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, alongside ministers, European commissioners, and representatives of the business community, including: Ömer Tetik, CEO of Banca Transilvania; Iwona Sikora, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Europe & South Africa, Iron Mountain; Robert Hanea, Founder, President, and CEO, Therme Group; Cristian Erbasu, CEO, Erbasu Constructions, President of the Federation of Builders; Volker Raffel, General Manager, E.ON Romania; Mehmet Burak Vardan, Chairman of the Board, CCN Holding; Ondrej Safar, Country Manager, Evryo; Nicholas Richard, CEO, ENGIE Romania; Fady Chreih, CEO, Regina Maria; Corneliu Bodea, CEO, ADREM; Manolis Sigalas, President Europe, Hill International.
The event will be officially inaugurated at the Romanian Athenaeum on March 30. Plenary sessions and thematic debates will be held at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel from March 31 to April 1.
Participation
A limited number of tickets are still available at this time. Reservations can be made at THIS LINK.
Economist Impact Events in SE Europe, officially represented by Hazlis & Rivas Group, has been organizing high-level government roundtables and landmark summits throughout the South-East European region since 1996 , bringing together heads of state, opinion leaders, Nobel Prize winners, business leaders, and international institutions for relevant and in-depth debates on a wide range of topics. The Economist Impact Events, through its official representative Hazlis & Rivas, is active on both sides of the Atlantic, organizing international events in New York, London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Vienna, as well as regionally, holding summits in Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia, under The Economist’s trusted global brand and editorial integrity.
The Economist Romania Government Roundtable 2026 is organized in partnership with RCI Holding, the official partner for Romania and Moldova.
Founded in 2000, RCI Holding is a multinational group headquartered in Bucharest with operations in over 20 countries. The group includes 21 companies active in critical infrastructure, energy markets, consulting, technology, and digital services, managing over €25 billion in CAPEX, delivering over 3,000 projects, and generating an annual turnover of €75 million.
Event organized with the support of
Founding sponsor: Banca Transilvania
Platinum Sponsors: Iron Mountain, PPC, Therme Group
Gold Sponsors: BCR Romania, Construcții Erbasu
Silver Sponsors: E.ON Romania, CCN Holding, Distribuție Oltenia parte din Evryo Group, ENGIE Romania, Eversheds Sutherland, Groupama, Regina Maria, KiriarchosNet, ADREM, CBRE Romania, Eximprod Group, Hill International, ING Bank Romania
Bronze Sponsors: Black Sea Oil & Gas, Enexus, Garanti BBVA, Ijdelea & Associates, Red Point Software Solutions, Renovatio Solar
Contributor: Exim Banca Romanească, Romgaz
Media Parteners: Energynomics; Profit.ro; News.ro; HotNews.ro; Cotidianul.ro; Prima News; RFI Romania
Support organizations: AHK Romania, CCI France Roumanie, Italian Chamber of Commerce for Romania (CCIpR)
Telecommunications provider: Nova
Logistics provider: DHL Express
With the support of: Lino 3D, Artecniko, Hanikian Law firm, GLOA Design & Marketing Services
Press contact: Oana Marinescu – [email protected]; 0741278737