Romania must make investments using its own resources—rather than those imposed by the European Union, which has already carried out necessary, foundational investments—stated Cristian Erba?u, President of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs and Investors in Romania (CAIR), on Tuesday.

'For 30 years, we have talked only about European funds. We must understand the need to prepare, to work, and to undertake investments that we ourselves have planned, rather than ones imposed by Brussels. To do this, we need to know how to plan and finance these projects; sooner or later, we will either have to provide substantial co-financing—as the very low co-financing rates currently accepted will no longer be the norm—or carry out major investments, particularly those that round out the overall investment framework. Brussels has funded foundational and necessary projects, but there are many investments we must make ourselves to complete the picture. And these are things we must do using our own resources, not just loans,' said the president of the employers' confederation.

Erbasu attended the opening session of ExpoApa 2026—the largest event dedicated to Romania's water industry, organized by the Romanian Water Association (ARA)—held from September 8 to 10 at ROMEXPO.

In this context, the CAIR President emphasized the importance of our country's own human and financial resources for ensuring its progress.

'We are discussing matters imposed at a global level—and specifically at the European level. We talk about sustainability, the environment, resilience, and technology, yet none of this is possible without resources—primarily human resources, which cannot be secured without financial backing. These financial resources do not always come solely from European funds, handouts, or loans; we must generate them ourselves. We will not be able to do this unless we understand that profitability is nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to profitability exceeding 3%-5%. This mindset has taken hold, and I do not know why we cling to it. I am trying to convince everyone—especially those with a voice in Romanian society—that without a minimum profit of 10%, there is no way for us to progress,' explained Cristian Erbasu.

This year's edition of ExpoApa brings together nearly 90 exhibitors from Romania and 12 other European countries, and will attract over 4,000 participants from across the region—including representatives from water utility operators, public authorities, technology manufacturers and integrators, academia, and professional organizations.

The program includes conferences and debates on the future of the industry, investment financing, technology, and the skills required by the sector, as well as a technical exhibition showcasing the latest solutions for water loss reduction, wastewater treatment, network monitoring, and process automation. The outdoor area will host large-scale equipment and operational demonstrations.

Among the event's guests are Arthur Guischet, Secretary General of the European Water Association (EWA), and Katerina Schilling, Secretary General of the International Association of Water Companies in the Danube River Basin (IAWD), alongside representatives from water associations in Denmark, Poland, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova, as well as representatives of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Romania.

Representatives from the Government, the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests, the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration, the 'Apele Române' National Administration, and the National Regulatory Authority for Community Public Utility Services (ANRSC) are participating on behalf of the national authorities. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Cristian Anghelache;EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)