On 22 October 2026, the ECA Interregional Cluster Conference 2026 programme continued in Chișinău, alongside the opening of Logistics Summit Galați. The two events highlighted opportunities for regional cooperation, ranging from research and innovation to infrastructure, transport and economic development.

Danubius International University was represented in Chișinău by Dr Corneliu Andy Pușcă, President of the Board of Directors, and Dr Diana Filimon, Director of the Department of Psychology and Social Work, and in Galați by Dr Alina Răileanu, Vice-Rector for Administration and Grants.

International Dialogue and Partnerships in Chișinău

At Digital Park in Chișinău, the programme included the second edition of the National Cluster Forum of the Republic of Moldova and the afternoon session of the ECA Interregional Cluster Conference. Discussions focused on excellence in cluster management, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, smart specialisation, and the contribution of research and innovation partnerships to the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises.

In her reflections following the event, Dr Diana Filimon highlighted opportunities for international collaboration and the ways in which connections between universities and researchers can develop into interdisciplinary teams and impactful projects. The experience provided ideas and working models relevant to the development of new interdisciplinary programmes, as well as insights into the role of teaching in English in facilitating knowledge exchange and access to international best practices.

The afternoon session focused on integrating clusters from the Republic of Moldova into European networks and value chains, while strengthening cooperation with Romania, Ukraine and the European Union. Networking meetings complemented the programme, providing opportunities to identify potential partners and explore joint initiatives.

Galați at the Centre of Discussions on Logistics and European Connectivity

Meanwhile, Logistics Summit Galați 2026 opened on 22 October, focusing on the strategic role of the city and the Lower Danube in European connectivity and trade development.

The first day’s programme included the official opening, plenary sessions and business meetings. Topics addressed the strategic advantages of the Lower Danube region and the multimodal infrastructure needed to strengthen transport, trade and economic development.

The summit continues on 23 October with sessions on logistics and industrial investment, digital transformation and regional cooperation, exploring how connectivity can generate economic value for the region.

Held within a shared regional cooperation framework, the events in Chișinău and Galați highlight the connection between innovation, education and economic development, opening up opportunities for partnerships among academia, companies, clusters and public authorities.

Mioara Lepădatu

From 20 to 23 October 2026, Galați and Chișinău are hosting a series of international events dedicated to regional cooperation, innovation and economic development. The programme brings together clusters, companies, universities, public authorities and European organisations, providing a platform for dialogue between Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and other European countries.

The programme on 21 October, held at Unique Ballrooms Events Centre in Galați, highlighted the role of clusters in strengthening competitiveness and connecting the Danube and Black Sea regions to European value chains.

Danubius International University also attended the event, represented by Professor Steve O. Michael, PhD, Rector & CEO; Associate Professor Andy Pușcă, PhD, President of the Board of Directors; Associate Professor Alina Beatrice Răileanu, PhD in Engineering, Vice-Rector for Administration and Grants; Dr Andra Marcu, Director of the Department for Alumni and Institutional Partnerships; and Lucian Panait and Constantin Lepădatu from the Department of Communication, Marketing and Media Relations.

The day’s agenda included sessions on creative industries and industrial heritage, logistics and ports, green energy and decarbonisation. Discussions also addressed technology transfer, collaboration between research and business, and the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises to innovation. Project presentations and matchmaking meetings gave participants opportunities to identify potential partners and explore collaboration.

The programme continues on 22 October in Chișinău with the second edition of the National Cluster Forum of the Republic of Moldova and sessions dedicated to cooperation between Moldovan clusters and partners from Romania, Ukraine and the European Union. Topics include artificial intelligence, digitalisation, smart specialisation, and research and innovation partnerships.

Meanwhile, Galați is hosting the Logistics Summit on 22 and 23 October, focusing on the strategic role of the Lower Danube in European connectivity. Discussions address multimodal infrastructure, investment, digital transformation and opportunities for economic development through logistics and regional cooperation.

The series of events runs until Friday, 23 October, continuing the dialogue on joint projects and partnerships that can support the region’s development.

Mioara Lepădatu

On 20 October 2026, Danubius International University hosted the medical workshop “Prevention of Epidemiological Risk in Conflict Zones and the Post-Conflict Period”, which opened the ECA Interregional Cluster Conference 2026 programme.

The event brought together delegations from Kenya and Ukraine, alongside specialists, academics and representatives of public authorities. Discussions focused on preventing epidemiological risks in conflict-affected areas and during the post-conflict period, as well as the importance of international cooperation in protecting community health.

The day’s programme also included a visit to “Sf. Ioan” Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children in Galați, giving participants an opportunity to learn about local medical practice and exchange professional experience.

The workshop was organised by the “Dunărea de Jos” Innovative Health Cluster, in collaboration with Clusters4Health.

Three Countries, Two Host Cities, One Regional Cooperation Platform

From 20 to 23 October 2026, the ECA Interregional Cluster Conference 2026 brings together businesses, universities, public authorities, investors and clusters from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and other European countries in Galați and Chișinău. The programme focuses on innovation, competitiveness and the development of partnerships and joint projects.

The events in Galați take place as part of Galați Business Week 2026, which also includes Romanian Business Leaders – Lower Danube and Logistics Summit Galați. On 22 October, the conference continues in Chișinău as part of the Second National Cluster Forum of the Republic of Moldova.

Programme details: ECA Interregional Cluster Conference 2026

Mioara Lepădatu

On 26–27 September, the Romanian Athenaeum provided a forum for ideas, dialogue and inspiration, hosting the inaugural edition of the European Youth Label event. Danubius International University was represented by Claudia Lupu, Librarian; Rareș-Florentin Oană, Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Secretariat Department; and Cristina Burlacu, a student at the Faculty of Law and International Governance. The event highlighted the vital role of young people in preserving Europe’s cultural heritage and transforming it into a source of inspiration for future generations.

At Danubius International University, education extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge: it fosters intellectual curiosity, independent thinking and the capacity to contribute to meaningful change. Participation in European Youth Label reflects this vision and the University’s commitment to encouraging students to look beyond borders, embrace diverse perspectives and become active contributors to a Europe in constant transformation. After all, the future is shaped by individuals who have the courage to learn, engage and inspire.

Claudia Covaliov