The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Romania: Innovation, Strategy, and Impact in 2025

Romania is accelerating its digital transformation with a clear national AI strategy. From aligning with EU regulations to local innovation initiatives, 2025 is a transformative year. This article explores the latest developments, projects and opportunities in the field.

1. Legal framework and strategy

• The EU AI Act came into force on August 1, 2024, becoming fully applicable on August 2, 2026. Provisions on high‑risk systems came into effect February 2, 2025 mondaq.com.

• Romania approved its national AI Strategy on July 11, 2024, aiming to boost digital technology adoption while safeguarding human rights and trust .

2. Infrastructure and investment

• The InvestAI package includes €200 billion, with €50 billion earmarked for AI data center construction en.wikipedia.org.

• Seven EuroHPC sites for advanced AI-ready data centers will be selected by December 2025 en.wikipedia.org.

3. Local innovation ecosystem

• The Romanian AI Hub (HRIA) combines universities, startups and corporates to build local AI solutions therecursive.com.

• Real-world use cases include:

  • EON Reality’s Spatial AI for Romanian armed forces training eonreality.com.

  • Key conferences like Techsylvania in Cluj, Milestone Tech Day, and Voxxed Days Bucharest showcasing generative AI and security innovations clubitc.eu+2itkey.media+2romania-insider.com+2.

4. Digital challenges

• Romania leads in fixed connectivity but lags in 5G, cloud adoption, digital skills and SME AI uptake digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu.

• EU recommends establishing European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) and boosting SME digital capabilities .

5. Economic & societal perspectives

• NATO 2025 agenda drives AI investment: Romania seeks to raise defense budget to 3.5% GDP, supporting strategic AI infrastructure .

• Job creation extends beyond IT into digitalized traditional sectors like agriculture and security .

Key Facts:

• AI Act high-risk ban effective Feb 2, 2025; full applicability Aug 2, 2026 mondaq.com.

• InvestAI budget €200 billion with €50 billion for data centers en.wikipedia.org.

• Romania had 11 edge nodes and no AI-unicorns in 2023 digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu.

• HRIA national AI hub initiative therecursive.com.

• EON Reality's Spatial AI solutions for military training zf.ro+3eonreality.com+3cancan.ro+3.

Opinions & Observations:

• Academic experts highlight Romania’s potential but note urgent need for 5G rollout and SME adoption .

• Techsylvania and Voxxed attendees commend speaker quality and generative AI trends .

• Advocates stress public involvement in AI ethics and regulation, supported by the February 2025 "inclusive and sustainable AI" declaration .

Conclusion:

Romania's AI future is promising yet challenging. EU alignment, infrastructure investment and digital competence enhancement are key. HRIA, InvestAI and tech events elevate Romania’s global position. To fully benefit, fast action is needed on 5G, SME AI uptake, and digital literacy.