Reform of the State-Owned Enterprise Sector: Proposals and Prospects for Improving the Performance of State-Owned Companies

Participants focused on the 2022-2030 state property management strategy and on immediate government actions, including rules for competitive nomination and performance evaluation of board members. Radu Marian, chair of the parliamentary Economy, Budget and Finance Committee, said state enterprises account for about one fifth of GDP and that 2023 will bring the screening of all state enterprises, followed by restructuring. He stressed that the reform is part of EU accession talks and called for expert and civil society support in explaining it. Adrian Lupușor noted strong resistance to the reform.

Expert-Grup recommends: full implementation of the strategy adopted in December 2022; restructuring and strengthening the Public Property Agency; greater transparency, including a modernised information system; professionalising boards through nomination and evaluation rules; public sector pay reform, ending the practice of appointing civil servants to boards for a “salary supplement”; and screening companies to separate those suitable for privatisation, with individual action plans.