Conference in Sibiu Highlights Strategic Support for Mountain Areas Under the 2023–2027 Plan

Sibiu recently hosted the conference “Mountain Areas in the Context of the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan”, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the National Rural Network, as part of the project “Conferences to Promote Funding Measures for Farmers from European Funds.”

The event was held in collaboration with the National Agency for Mountain Areas (ANZM) and brought together a wide range of participants, including representatives of ministries, central, county, and local public authorities, regional development agencies, researchers, high school and university educators, presidents of associations and cooperatives, farmers, processors, entrepreneurs from mountain regions, as well as members and representatives of Mountain Committees, specialists from county agricultural departments, rural development centers, and the ANZM.

A Platform for Dialogue and Development

The primary objective of the conference was to promote financial support measures dedicated to mountain areas and to facilitate constructive dialogue among stakeholders involved in their development.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was represented by Zoltán-József Mihály, State Secretary and coordinator of ANZM activities. From the General Directorate for Rural Development – Managing Authority for the National Rural Development Program (PNDR), Laurențiu Lupu and Simona Nimu (National Rural Network advisors), as well as Mihaela Bărbulescu (advisor in the Environment and Climate Measures Service), were also in attendance.

The National Agency for Mountain Areas was represented by:

• Gheorghe Hîrlav, Director General
• Dan Marius Sezonov, Deputy Director General
• Dănuț Ungureanu, Director of CEFIDEC
• and other specialists from mountain development centers and offices across the country

Key Topics Addressed

The conference focused on current and high-impact topics for the sustainable development of mountain regions, including:

• Funding opportunities for mountain areas through the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan
• Achievements and future perspectives in mountain area development
• Promoting the circular bioeconomy and reducing the carbon footprint
• Best practice models: agricultural cooperatives, short food chains, local markets
• Supporting local gastronomy and regional cultural identity
• Responsible tourism and community initiatives for revitalizing mountain villages
• Cultural and gastronomic tourism as a development pathway for rural areas
• Financing and development programs targeting mountain communities

Additionally, participants presented good practice examples and innovative solutions designed to strengthen the economic and social resilience of mountain regions, in line with the priorities of the 2023–2027 CAP Strategic Plan.

Identified Needs and Priorities

The discussions and presentations led to the identification of key needs for the sustainable development of mountain areas:

• Continued support programs for investments in mountain regions
• Ongoing funding for processing units (meat, milk, fruits, medicinal plants, mushrooms)
• Harnessing the natural potential of mountain areas (forestry-pastoral space, biodiversity, livestock maintenance)
• Supporting complementary economic activities to reduce depopulation in mountain regions
• Revitalizing mountain communities through tourism, traditional/local gastronomy, and cultural initiatives