As part of the Romanian Prime Minister, Ludovic Orban’s visit to Paris this Monday, October 26th, and his meeting with Prime Minister Jean Castex, it is important to recall the solidity and the anteriority of the political and cultural links between the two countries. The French influence dates back to the Enlightenment and the Romanian Revolution of 1821.
France has always had a unique place in the Romanian culture, the Francophonie being endowed with very a particular importance (Romania is a member of the International Organization of La Francophonie).
These two nations have always been connected, but for nearly twenty years, we have witnessed an exponential development of economic relations between France and Romania. The presence of French companies on the Romanian territory is the perfect illustration of this: 36 of the 40 CAC 40 companies are present on the Romanian market.
Contrary to what many claim, French companies that are active in the Romanian market are generally leaders in their respective sectors, and are not in a simple process of relocation. The trade balance between the two countries is also balanced. We can cite as leading French companies in Romania, Orange, Groupama, Lactalis, Veolia, Engie, Société Générale, BNP Paribas, Carrefour, Leroy Merlin, and of course Renault / Dacia.
The economic relations between the two countries could extend even further after the adoption of the European Recovery Plan which provides 80 billion aid to Romania in order to compensate for its accumulated delay in the development of its rail, road and infrastructure, hospitals, and generally in urban sustainable development. French companies already present on Romanian territory, or those which distinguish themselves in these fields of activity, will further develop their know-how in Romania.
Finally, the links between these two nations are also built on diplomatic and defense plans.
Romania, very attached to the quality of its relations with the American partner, is a country resolutely turned towards the European Union, active within the various European institutions (Presidency of the Industry and Energy Commission of the European Parliament), which can moreover play a strategic role in the security of the Black Sea, which is emerging as one of the great challenges of the coming years.
The tender launched by Romania for the acquisition of four Corvettes for a value of more than one billion euros, won by Naval Group, in partnership with the Chantier Naval de Constanta illustrates the potential for strategic collaboration between France and Romania to maintain regional security, which is now shaken up.
The Cooperation between France and Romania can be the main driving force behind the development of the Francophonie in this region of the European continent.
by Bruno Leroy for Entreprendre
