Rome, November 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Țoiu, expressed her appreciation for the invitation of Italy’s Vice-President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, as the two countries continued discussions on their shared priorities within the strengthened strategic partnership.
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of trade as a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. Minister Țoiu highlighted that Italy is Romania’s second-largest trading partner, with annual trade exchanges reaching €20 billion, creating jobs and providing resources for key investments. She noted that Romanian entrepreneurs are increasingly active in sectors such as construction, automotive, IT, fashion, design, telecommunications, banking, and nuclear energy, both in Italy and through Italian investments in Romania. The minister stressed the growing role of the Romanian community in Italy, which ranks among the top three nationalities registering businesses in the country.
The discussions also covered Romania and Italy’s positions on competitiveness, agriculture, and cohesion within the next multi-year European Union budget. Further ministerial talks are scheduled in Brussels this week to advance these negotiations.
Minister Țoiu underscored the significance of a strong bilateral relationship for the Romanian community in Italy, numbering over one million people, especially during moments of great emotional impact. She referenced the recent tragedy involving Romanian worker Octav Stoici, who was caught under rubble; despite 11 hours of rescue efforts, he did not survive. Minister Țoiu expressed gratitude to Minister Tajani and the Italian rescue teams and offered condolences to the worker’s family.
In a cultural highlight, the ministers jointly announced the launch of the Romania-Italy Cultural Year 2026, which will open with a concert by the Bucharest National Opera at the Rome Opera on December 1, featuring works by Enescu and Puccini. The program will continue in February with the Brâncuși exhibition “The Origins of Infinity” in Rome. Minister Țoiu described the cultural year as an excellent opportunity to celebrate the privileged relationship between Romania and Italy under the High Patronage of their Presidents.
