The University of Bucharest to host Romania’s largest-ever public dialogue with a European Commissioner, featuring Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu

On Friday, 21 November 2025, the University of Bucharest, in partnership with the Europuls – European Expertise Centre, will host the largest public dialogue ever held in Romania with a European Commissioner. Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and the highest-ranking Romanian representative in Brussels, will join citizens for an open discussion about Romania’s future within the European Union. The event will take place from 15:00 to 17:00 in the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Law at the University of Bucharest, as part of the 2025 edition of the “EUROSFAT Forum – Romania’s Coming of Age in the EU.”

Centred around the question “Romania and the EU – a relationship of trust at a distance?”, the discussion will address major themes shaping Romania’s role in the European project. Participants will explore how the country can take a more active part in shaping common European policies and in strengthening mutual trust between citizens and EU institutions. The debate will also tackle broader European issues such as the competitiveness of the EU economy and the future of work in an era defined by digitalisation and the green transition—forces that are rapidly transforming labour markets and social structures.

Participation in the event is free of charge, subject to available seating, and requires registration via the online form available here.

Another central theme of the dialogue will be education – not only as a driver of economic growth but also as a cornerstone for democracy and European values. The discussion will highlight the role of young people in shaping the EU’s future priorities, the outlook for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, and ways to direct European investments toward developing future-ready skills.

The event aims to create a space for genuine reflection and dialogue between young people, the academic community, and representatives of European institutions on the path Romania is taking within the EU over the coming decade.

Roxana Mînzatu serves as Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs, and Preparedness. In this role, she leads the EU’s efforts to strengthen human capital—covering areas such as education, vocational training, culture, sport, and social inclusion.Her mission is to implement the European Pillar of Social Rights and promote a Europe of equality and real opportunity for all citizens. Her priorities include closing skills and labour gaps, supporting young people through initiatives like Erasmus+ and mental health programmes, and fostering a European culture of lifelong learning.

She also leads the creation of a roadmap for quality jobs and a new pact for European social dialogue, while playing a key role in advancing the EU’s strategy to fight poverty, promote affordable housing, and ensure a just transition toward a digital and green economy.

About the University of Bucharest

Founded in 1864, the University of Bucharest has been part of the European Civic University Alliance (CIVIS) since 2019, alongside ten other prestigious European universities. UB is increasingly becoming a key player in shaping European higher education.

The 2025 edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, one of the top three most prestigious academic rankings worldwide assessing universities’ involvement in sustainable development, places the University of Bucharest first in Romania and 25th globally for quality of education. Moreover, UB ranks 93rd overall in the Impact Rankings 2025, marking a national milestone as the first Romanian university to enter the global top 100.

UB also reaffirms its leadership position in Romanian higher education according to the most recent edition of the QS World University Rankings 2026—also one of the top three academic rankings. Globally, the University of Bucharest ranks in the 761–770 band, showing a significant improvement from the previous 801–850 band, and achieving some of its best results in the last decade. Notably, UB excels in Employment Outcomes and Employer Reputation, confirming its ability to produce competitive, job-ready graduates. According to the latest data, 81.1% of UB graduates secure employment within 7–11 months after graduation.

Currently, the University of Bucharest is also ranked the best university in Romania for international students, according to the latest Study Abroad Aide’s World University Rankings, placing UB in the top 11% of universities worldwide for international students. Another recent ranking, the THE – Interdisciplinary Science Ranking 2025, places the University of Bucharest first nationally and among the top 350 globally for interdisciplinary scientific research.

About Europuls

Europuls – European Expertise Centre is a non-governmental organization founded in 2010 in Brussels by a group of Romanian experts in European affairs. Its mission is to promote the European integration process in Romania and to contribute to the development of a European public sphere.

Europuls works to encourage public debate on European topics through articles, studies, and the organization of debates, workshops, and conferences. Among the participants in these events are European Commissioners, Romanian and foreign Members of the European Parliament, political leaders, civil society representatives, experts, and journalists.

Believing that European integration is a core mission, Europuls seeks every year to innovate the way the European agenda is brought to Romania, actively addressing euroscepticism and building bridges of dialogue between citizens and Europe.