Radu Georgescu: Given the war in Ukraine and shifting security dynamics, how have geopolitical developments influenced U.S. business interest and investment in Romania?
Elias Wexler: The war in Ukraine have reshaped the landscape for U.S. businesses in Romania. The country’s strategic location on NATO’s eastern flank, combined with its role in European energy security and logistics, has positioned it as a key partner and investment destination.
Romania has accelerated defense modernization and procurement of U.S. systems such as Patriot, HIMARS, and F-16s, with plans for F-35 integration. This deepened alignment creates opportunities for U.S. defense contractors, training providers, cybersecurity firms, and base-support services.
Romania is central to regional energy diversification: The Neptun Deep offshore project in natural gas is moving toward opening opportunities in equipment, services, and midstream infrastructure.
Romania is advancing both the extension of Cernavodă reactors and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) at Doicești in partnership with U.S. firms, unlocking long-term investment in engineering, components, and financing.
The port of Constanța has become a strategic hub for Ukrainian grain and goods. This creates openings for U.S. companies in logistics technology, terminal equipment, and agricultural services.
Romania’s 5G legislation excludes high-risk vendors and favors trusted suppliers. This strengthens opportunities for U.S. firms in telecom, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Geopolitical shifts have increased Romania’s strategic value to U.S. business. Energy diversification, defense modernization, and infrastructure upgrades offer long-term opportunities for American firms.
R.G.: Romania can play a strategic role in European energy diversification. How do you see U.S.–Romanian cooperation evolving in the energy sector, especially regarding natural gas and renewables?
E.W.: U.S.–Romanian cooperation in energy is becoming a pillar of both nations strategic and economic agendas. Natural gas development in the Black Sea, supported by U.S. technology and financing, will help Romania emerge as a regional supplier, while LNG and midstream upgrades offer near-term flexibility for European allies. At the same time, Romania’s ambitious renewable energy targets, create a wide opportunity for U.S. firms in solar, wind, storage, and digital energy solutions. The Small Modular Reactor project at Doicești further positions Romania as a global testbed for cutting-edge U.S. nuclear innovation.
For Washington, the energy relationship strengthens NATO’s eastern flank, reduces Russian leverage over Europe, and supports the global climate agenda. For Bucharest, it secures diversified supplies, attracts long-term capital, and anchors Romania as a regional energy hub.
For U.S. businesses, it is a rare alignment of strategic interest and commercial opportunity: large-scale projects with political backing, multilateral financing, and high local demand.
R.G.: What opportunities exist for deeper collaboration between Romanian tech startups and U.S. investors, especially in areas like IT, cybersecurity, and defense technologies?
E.W.: Romania is no longer just a source of low-cost IT services — it is emerging as a true innovation partner for the United States. For U.S. investors, the advantages go far beyond price. Romanian startups offer top talent, strong cybersecurity, and solutions that match a growing market demand.
With a skilled workforce, NATO-backed security programs, and a central role in European defense, Romania’s tech sector is directly aligned with U.S. interests.
Deeper U.S.–Romanian cooperation in technology makes sense both strategically and commercially. It strengthens NATO’s digital and defense capabilities, promotes shared democratic values in tech, and gives American investors access to a dynamic, innovation-driven market.
R.G.: What are some of the biggest challenges Romanian companies face when entering the U.S. market, and how can we help overcome them?
E.W.: Challenges for Romanian Companies Entering the U.S. Market
- Regulatory and Legal Compliance
- U.S. laws differ significantly by state and industry.
- Intellectual property, tax regulations, and import/export rules can be complex.
- Solution: Partner with local legal counsel and compliance experts to navigate
- Market Awareness and Brand Recognition
- Romanian companies may have low brand recognition in the U.S.
- Competition is often intense, especially against established local players.
- Solution: Invest in marketing, attend trade shows, leverage social media, and create strategic partnerships.
- Distribution and Supply Chain
- Establishing reliable distribution channels and local logistics can be challenging.
- Solution: Partner with local distributors, third-party logistics providers, or consider e-commerce platforms.
- Access to Capital
- Expanding into the U.S. often requires substantial financial investment.
- Romanian banks and investors may be less familiar with U.S. market dynamics.
- Solution: Seek U.S.-based investors, venture capital, or government-backed programs for foreign companies.
- Cultural and Business Practices
- Differences in business etiquette, negotiation styles, and consumer expectations.
- Understanding the local market nuances is critical.
- Solution: Conduct market research, use U.S.-based advisors, and consider hiring local managers.
R.G.: Beyond energy and technology, which industries do you foresee becoming the next key drivers of Romanian–U.S. economic cooperation in the next decade?
E.W.: First, defense and aerospace will remain a natural area for growth, given Romania’s strategic role on NATO’s eastern flank and the U.S. expertise in advanced defense technologies.
Second, agriculture present significant opportunities, as Romania has vast arable land and the U.S. brings innovation in food security, logistics, and sustainable farming.
Finally, infrastructure and logistics—from a smart port in Constanta on the Black Sea to digitalized transport corridors—could become vital connectors between Europe, the U.S., and beyond.
R.G.: What role do you see for the Romanian American Chamber of Commerce playing in shaping the future of bilateral economic relations, especially for small and mid-sized enterprises?
E.W.: The mission of the Romanian American Chamber of Commerce (RACC) is to strengthen, protect and promote the US-Romania relationship in ways that enhanced the business environment of the United States and Romania.
The RACC can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of bilateral economic relations, particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises which often face the greatest barriers when entering new markets—whether it’s lack of information, limited networks, or regulatory hurdles. The RACC is uniquely positioned to address these challenges by serving as a platform for networking, a source of practical guidance on U.S. business environments, and a voice in policy discussions that affect trade and investment. In addition, the RACC can develop mentorship programs, trade missions, and sector-focused forums that give smaller companies more visibility and direct access to investors, partners, and clients. In this way, the RACC ensures that transatlantic economic cooperation is not a one-way street, but a true partnership. It empowers Romanian innovators, entrepreneurs, and growing companies to expand into the U.S. market and shape the next generation of Romanian–U.S. business relations.
