Romanian Center for
European Policies
Who we are
The Romanian Center for European Policies (CRPE) is one of the main Romanian think tanks specialised in European affairs. Since 2009 we have been conducting research in the field of European and national public policies, implementing advocacy campaigns, organising public debates, training programmes and civic engagement campaigns for citizens. Our main areas of expertise are democracy and good governance, external relations – especially the Republic of Moldova and the Eastern Partnership, agriculture and rural development, education, youth involvement and active citizenship. CRPE was the first Romanian think tank to open a branch in the Republic of Moldova in 2012.
Mission / Vision
We want to live in a democratic country, in a rule-of-law state that is fully anchored in Europe. We believe in evidence-based public policies designed to serve the needs of all citizens. We design our projects bearing in mind the small changes we can make. We bring real life – documented in figures and stories – on the decision makers’ table, in consultations on European and national laws, policies and programmes.
We seek to contribute to developing sustainable communities, where people are civically committed, environmentally conscious, and we strive for diverse, inclusive and non-discriminatory policies. We work with young people to help them become vectors of change in their communities. We love Romanian villages and we are working to ensure that European rural development and agriculture policies are implemented to reduce the development gap between villages and cities – from an economic, social and educational point of view, in terms of access to knowledge and innovation. We support small and medium-sized farmers and their association, which truly empowers them. We find European best practices and put forward ideas for the social inclusion of vulnerable groups.
Alexandra Popa
Executive Director
Since 2012, Alexandra has been coordinating CRPE projects in the fields of rural development, vulnerable groups and VET. She is a graduate of the Master of International Relations and European Studies program at the European Institute of Higher International Studies in Nice. She obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Finance, Banks, Insurance and Stock Exchanges of the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, as well as from the Communication and Public Relations Department of the National School of Political and Administrative Studies. Alexandra has over 12 years experience in the NGO sector – both as a volunteer and as a project manager. Areas of expertise: Rural development, agriculture, social policies, TVET
Email: name@domain.com
Alexandru Damian
Programmes Director
Alexandru has a solid background in good governance, public administration and civic activism. He hopes that citizens’ participation in the public decision and data-driven public policies will be strengthened. He usually writes also on what is happening in the Republic of Moldova, a topic we care a lot at CRPE. Alexandru holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, University of Bucharest, and a MA Degree in Political Science, Free University of Brussels.
Email: alexandru.damian@crpe.ro
Ruxandra Popescu
Programmes Director
Ruxandra obtained in 2013 a Master’s degree in International Economics and European Affairs within the Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Faculty of International Business and Economics. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in economic diplomacy. Areas of expertise: European Union Law and its applicability, European, Economic Governance, International Economic Diplomacy.
Email: ruxandra.popescu@crpe.ro
Bianca Toma
Project Manager
Coordinates CRPE’s programs on Good Governance, Justice and EU Affairs. Specialised trainer in European policies, Bianca is also the author of CRPE’s policy recommendation on various fields and of the Sustainability INDEX of the National Anti-corruption Directorate. After two years as European Affairs correspondent for one of the mainstream broadsheet Adevarul, she becomes one of the Open Society Institute’s policy research fellow and member of CRPE’s experts team. She has graduated the European Policies and Communication Master program of IHECS in Brussels (Belgium). She previously worked over ten years as journalist covering justice and home affairs and coordinating several regional media projects. Areas of expertise:
Justice and Home Affairs, Good Governance, EU Regional Policy, EU Enlargement
Email: bianca.toma@crpe.ro
Oana Ganea
Sociologist
Oana is a sociologist with over 15 years of experience in market and social research. Fields of expertise include quantitative and qualitative research. She was involved in various evaluation projects such as The Evaluation of the Communication Plan for the Sectoral Programme Increase of Economic Competitiveness and the first Audit Report on social services in Romania. Also, she has expanded her expertise in social services and rural area in Republic of Moldova.
Email: name@domain.com
Cătălina Meiroșu
Researcher
Cătălina is actively engaged in CRPE projects in areas such as youth, civic participation, and social policies/inclusion of vulnerable groups. She advocates for the necessity of community engagement, promoting active participation and support to improve conditions both at the national and European levels. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences and a MA degree in Diplomacy in International Economy within Faculty of International Business and Economics, Bucharest University of Economic Studies.
Email: catalina.meirosu@crpe.ro
Maria Balea
Researcher
Maria is involved in CRPE projects in the fields of professional and technical education, as well as rural development. She has a PhD in political communication from the University of Bucharest. She is passionate about the field of education and that is why she teaches a class at the University of Bucharest and works as a junior expert in education policies at CRPE. She also organizes communication and civic engagement workshops for teenagers and volunteers in education projects for children from disadvantaged groups.
Email: maria.balea@crpe.ro
Dănuț Lacurezeanu
Researcher
Starting from his passion for nature and all its entailed activities, Dănuț cultivated interest in sustainable rural development, both (nature and rural environment) intersecting in most cases. He is currently pursuing doctoral studies at USAMV Cluj-Napoca, in the field of agriculture and rural development. Some of the topics that concern him are: cultivating environmental intelligence in economic activities (especially in rural areas), the development of sustainable non-agricultural activities, the development of peripheral rural areas, short supply chains or the facilitation of learning environments. He is in a relentless learning process.
Email: danut.lacurezeanu@crpe.ro
Maria Suciu
Researcher
Maria holds a Master’s degree in European Public Policy from LSE, with a focus on the Balkans, following her Bachelor’s degrees in European Studies from King’s and Sciences Po. She is highly interested in fostering sustainable, social, and economic growth in Eastern European countries. Previously, Maria worked as a research consultant at OECD, an experience that strengthened her expertise in European public policy and sustainability. Driven by a passion for international development, she has extensively traveled to support local development initiatives and has authored articles aimed at inspiring global social entrepreneurs.
Email: maria.suciu@crpe.ro
Doriana Gheorghe
Intern
Doriana, a second-year student at Sciences Po Paris, is passionate about public policies at both national and European levels. With a track record of involvement in various political and public policy projects, she is currently pursuing studies in Politics and Government at the university, aiming to bridge theory with practical implementation. Dedicated to enhancing the relationship between citizens and public administrations, Doriana seeks to implement best practices observed in other European cities.
Email: name@domain.com
Vlad Iagăr
Intern
Vlad is a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of European Studies at KU Leuven, in Belgium. Next year, he will start his Major in European Law, and his Minor in International Relations at Università di Bologna. Ever since high school, he was deeply passionate about law, politics, and economics. Before university, he was part of the Internship Program organised by the Romanian Government, where he worked on topics regarding discrimination, social inclusion, as well as policy proposals for different strategies of the Government. Now, Vlad wishes to become part of Romania’s European Project and to enrich his practical knowledge in projects that can contribute to the improvement of governance.
Email: name@domain.com
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Email: name@domain.com