The greatest image I have from Romania and Bucharest is one of energy.  There is a major transformation taking shape, and with it great opportunity.  Energy needs to be channeled and that is certainly a challenge in this fledgling democracy. 

Romania and Bulgaria are the two most recent entries to the European Union and they came in under special rules that will gradually integrate them fully. 

Romania must continue to make progress and stand firm against any backslide into the old ways of doing things.  There is real pressure and momentum in the right direction, but the political climate is far from certain. 

Key issues for Romania, the EU and the US include:

Financial Institutions - The EU provides major funds for new member states to assist them with integration.  Romania doesn't yet have the institutions in place to process this money.  There are literally billions upon billions of euros that can be used for all kinds of physical and program projects, but Romania must have the structure in place before they can access this money.  The most money is available at the earliest stages, so it is important for Romania to get its house in order quickly if it is to maximize the opportunity. 

Rural vs Urban - There is great educational and financial disparity between the rural and urban communities, and the split is about 50/50 in terms of population size.   We're talking about the most basic things from water and sewer to access to education.  Romania cannot become a state of haves and have nots or it will surely struggle. 

Debt Management - With the introduction of a free market economy the people of Romania now have many new ways to access capital.   This includes mortgages, credit cards, car loans and the like.  With this access comes responsibility and it is important that credit be used as a tool to enable a better society rather than a damning force. 

Costanza - The United States is about to deploy 1700 troops to the Costanza region of Romania, near the Black Sea. This is a really big deal as US troops will be setting up shop in a former Soviet state.  Adding to the seriousness is the political volatility and the way Romanian politicians use international issues as instruments to settle domestic scores. 

I've included some additional photos I took while in and around Bucharest.  This was a city unlike any other on the trip. 

I really enjoyed my time there and want to thank Liana Popa for a most excellent visit.