The National Conference of the Romanian Order of Architects (OAR) took place on 20–21 June 2026, bringing together territorial delegates and members of the National Council for two days of institutional review, strategic discussion, and elections for the 2026–2030 mandate.

A Conference Opening Focused on European and Institutional Priorities

The first day opened with statutory proceedings and a series of high-level addresses that highlighted both national priorities and the broader European context of architectural practice.

Speakers included the Romanian Secretary of State at the Ministry of Development, Public Works and Administration (MDLPA), Orsolya Kövér, as well as an online intervention by the President of the Architects’ Council of Europe, Daniel Fügenschuh. A message was also delivered on behalf of Europe’s cultural heritage organisation Europa Nostra by its Secretary General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović.

ACE President: Architecture at a Turning Point in Europe

In his address to the Conference, delivered via video message to President Ștefan Bâlici, delegates, and Romanian colleagues, the ACE President underlined that architecture across Europe is undergoing a profound transformation.

He highlighted key policy and societal challenges shaping the profession, including:

• the revision of the Public Procurement Directive
• the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
• the housing crisis across Europe
• the transition towards climate neutrality
• increasing demands for territorial resilience

At the centre of these shifts, he stressed, lies the renovation of Europe’s building stock—described as one of the most significant responsibilities and opportunities for architects today. He emphasized that delivering high-quality, affordable, and climate-neutral built environments requires architects to remain central to decision-making processes at all scales of governance

Fair Practice Conditions and the Value of Design

The ACE President also drew attention to the structural realities of architectural practice in Europe, noting that most firms are small and increasingly exposed to economic pressure. He underlined that fair and adequate remuneration for design services is essential to ensure both quality outcomes and long-term public value.

In this context, he reaffirmed ACE’s ongoing advocacy for:

• quality-based procurement systems
• stronger conditions for professional practice
• recognition of architectural design as a public good

He also welcomed the active contribution of the Romanian Order within ACE working groups and governance structures, highlighting the importance of its continued engagement in shaping European-level policy discussions.

Romania’s Growing Role in European Architectural Policy

The address further acknowledged Romania’s progress towards the development of a National Architectural Policy, supported by a recent Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Development. This was presented as an important milestone strengthening long-standing European dialogue on architectural quality and the built environment.

The ACE President also welcomed several cultural and institutional initiatives reinforcing Romania’s visibility in the European architectural landscape, including the MUZA – the Romanian Architecture Museum initiative, the EUmies Awards 2026 Exhibition in Bucharest & the increasing use of architectural design competitions as transparent tools for achieving quality outcomes

Institutional Review and Strategic Priorities of OAR

The first day of the Conference was dedicated to the presentation of the OAR Activity Report for the 2022–2026 mandate, including reports from the National Disciplinary Commission, updates from selected professional forums, and a review of ongoing research initiatives—now a consolidated tradition within the organisation.

Priority projects for the current mandate were also presented, alongside proposals for administrative restructuring, which were submitted to vote and adopted by the delegates.

Elections Confirm Leadership for 2026–2030 Mandate

Emil Ivănescu, Victoria Vâsvarý, Raluca-Claudia Șoaită, Ștefan Bâlici

The second day of the Conference was dedicated to elections for OAR’s governing bodies for the 2026–2030 term. The process was conducted under the existing legal framework and in accordance with the rules established by the outgoing National Council.

Ștefan Bâlici was re-elected for a second mandate as President of the Romanian Order of Architects, confirming continuity in leadership for the coming four-year period.

The newly elected National Council now comprises 82 members, reflecting broad territorial representation and professional diversity. In addition, 12 members were elected to the National Disciplinary Committee and 2 members to the National Censorship Commission.

A Shared European Agenda for Architecture

The Conference reaffirmed the strong alignment between the Romanian architectural community and the broader European agenda promoted by ACE. Discussions and interventions throughout the two days highlighted shared priorities: strengthening design quality, ensuring fair professional conditions, advancing climate objectives, and reinforcing the role of architects in shaping inclusive and resilient environments.

The outcomes of the Conference mark both continuity and renewal for the Romanian Order of Architects, while reinforcing its active contribution to European-level dialogue on the future of architecture.

ACE looks forward to continuing close cooperation with OAR and to further exchange at upcoming European and global events, including the UIA World Congress in Barcelona.