Romania

Canada's Commitment
Objectives and Results

Canada's Commitment

CIDA established its program in Romania in 1991, in response to clear needs in a country that was only just coming out of a long Communist period. Romania sought to open itself up to the outside world, but the transition was not easy. Romanians' standard of living declined dramatically. Public services ran poorly. Unemployment increased. Romania's currency was devalued. It was in this context that CIDA began its development programming in Romania, which focused largely on encouraging good governance, assisting in the transition to a market economy, promoting trade, and ensuring nuclear safety.

In spring 2006, CIDA's aid program in Romania came to an end with Romania's impending accession to the European Union.

CIDA's bilateral assistance in Eastern and Central Europe has moved towards a more focused relationship with fewer countries where aid can have a greater impact. Romania is, however, still eligible for funding through core multilateral programs, including the International Humanitarian Assistance Program.

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Objectives and Results

The key objectives during CIDA's 14 years of programming in Romania remained the same:

• to support Romania's democratization and economic liberalization by forming mutually beneficial partnerships; and
• to assist in international efforts to reduce threats to international security, especially nuclear safety.

Canada's Romanian program contributed to that country's economic and social development in several ways. Among other things, the program encouraged:

• the establishment of financial institutions;
• labour market development;
• modernization of agriculture;
• smooth operation of the health sector; and
• environmental protection.

Did You Know?

A Canadian initiative helped to revise the civil code to enable Romania to meet the accession requirements for the European Union in a timely manner.