Looking back · 2025 edition

Sustainability Gala for Local Administration 2025

Recognising excellence in local government and sustainable community development

About the Gala

Sustainability Gala for Local Administration 2025

The Congress of Mayors and Local Administration of Romania closes with the 2025 Sustainability Gala for Local Administration, a landmark event celebrating innovation, excellence and performance in public administration.

The Gala puts the spotlight on local leaders, forward-looking institutions and the projects that are transforming communities, recognising the people who make a real difference to Romania's development.

Official list of awards

The 2025 Gala winners

The projects, leaders and partnerships recognised in 2025 for innovation, sustainability and efficiency in Romanian local government.

Energy efficiency and the green transition - Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

Constantin Rădulescu, President of Vâlcea County Council

Rehabilitation of the district heating system in Râmnicu Vâlcea, 2009 - 2028

Local economic development through smart specialisation

Nicolae Moldovan, Mayor of Beclean

A new smart specialisation park in Beclean, Bistrița-Năsăud County

Excellence in local leadership

Emil Drăghici, President of the Association of Communes of Romania

Diploma of excellence for continued support for sustainable projects in Romanian public administration

Urban regeneration

Eng. Marius-Grigore Dulce, Mayor of Călărași

Urban regeneration in Călărași through new green spaces in the Western Zone and the Navrom residential area

Flying Forward Award

Doru Vîjîianu, CEO, Zipper Services România

For leadership in smart digitalisation - COLLIBRI powered by AI

Smart resource management

Valentin Vieru, Mayor of Moinești

Digital waste management through modern recycling points in Moinești

Innovation and the green transition

Lazany Gabriel, Mayor of Bistrița

B-CONNECT, a sustainable urban transformation project in Bistrița, using green and digital solutions to improve quality of life and the urban environment

Sustainable urban mobility

Ionuț Pucheanu, Mayor of Galați

Modernising public transport in Galați with 42 electric buses, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)

Award for Innovation in Sustainable Infrastructures

Desmond Wheatley, CEO BEAM Global

Awarded for developing and implementing advanced technological solutions that promote clean mobility and energy efficiency, significantly contributing to the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future

Sustainable urban mobility

Ioan Doru Dăncuș, Mayor of Baia Mare

An intelligent transport system (ITS), ICT infrastructure and upgraded public transport stops in Baia Mare

Innovation in digital education

Alexandru Holicov, Founder & CEO, Adservio

For developing modern solutions that support the digital transformation of Romanian education

Social impact and inclusion

Sorin Valentin Cîrjan, Mayor of Râmnicu Sărat

Local development in Râmnicu Sărat to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion

Sustainable urban mobility

Mircia Gutău, Mayor of Râmnicu Vâlcea

Extending public transport with electric buses and minibuses linking Râmnicu Vâlcea with nearby tourist areas

Innovation in waste management

Marius Croitoru, Business Owner, European Waste Technologies

For technologies that support the circular economy and reduce environmental impact

Sustainable urban mobility

Cosmin Ionuț Andrei, Mayor of Botoșani

Modernising public transport across the Botoșani functional urban area with low-emission buses

Innovation in accessibility

Marian Coman, President, Framinor Group

Step Hear, a smart guidance system that helps people with visual impairments find their way in public spaces

Sustainable urban mobility

Laurențiu-Dan Leoreanu, Mayor of Roman

More sustainable urban mobility in Roman through additional electric buses and upgraded transport infrastructure

Innovation in sustainable development

Grigore Tătaru, General Manager, ACO România

For helping to build sustainable, resilient communities

Excellence in urban regeneration

Cristi Valentin Misăilă, Mayor of Focșani

Rehabilitation and modernisation of public spaces in the Bahne area of Focșani

Sustainable urban mobility - green transport

Mihai Chirica, Mayor of Iași

Modernising transport infrastructure in Iași with new electric buses and trams

Sustainable urban mobility

Mario-Lucian De Mezzo, Mayor of Slatina

Integrated intelligent transport system (ITS) infrastructure for Slatina

Innovation and sustainability

Theodor Ioannidis, Business Owner, Ecobat Energy

Innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions that support climate neutrality and sustainable development

Smart resource management

Sorin Megheșan, Mayor of Târnăveni

Installation of a renewable energy source for the municipality's own consumption in Târnăveni

Energy efficiency and the green transition

Gheorghiță Tirizică, Mayor of Unguriu

A solar power plant for the commune's own consumption in Unguriu, Buzău County

Award categories

Categories and selection criteria

The Gala recognises the projects, leaders and partnerships shaping the future of Romanian local government, and the initiatives that put innovation, sustainability and efficiency into practice.

Energy efficiency and the green transition

Innovative renewable energy and energy efficiency projects delivered locally. Initiatives that cut energy use and build in sustainable solutions.

Sustainable urban mobility

Projects that improve public transport, reduce traffic and promote green mobility. Innovative solutions for urban infrastructure, pavements, cycle lanes and alternative transport.

Smart resource management

Effective strategies for separate collection, recycling and reducing waste. Innovative projects in waste management and the circular economy. Solutions that modernise the management of water and public resources.

Digitalisation and administrative transparency

Technologies that make local government more efficient and simplify how it deals with citizens. Digital platforms, open data and smart solutions for more accessible, transparent public services.

Local economic development through smart specialisation

Projects that build infrastructure for education, innovation or the local industries of the future. Initiatives that strengthen regional competitiveness and attract investment through thematic specialisation and sustainable development.

Excellence in local leadership

An award for mayors who have shown vision, real impact and concrete results in developing their communities. Initiatives that have significantly improved residents' quality of life and brought lasting change.

Successful public-private cooperation

Innovative partnerships between local authorities and the private sector to develop infrastructure and public services. Successful projects funded through effective cooperation, PPPs and cross-sector initiatives.

Urban regeneration project of the year

Investments that have transformed towns and communities, revitalising public spaces and creating new economic opportunities. Initiatives that promote sustainable development and smart urban integration.

Award for social impact and inclusion

Initiatives that promote accessibility, equal opportunities and community inclusion. Projects with real impact on education, health and quality of life for vulnerable groups.

Gala rules

How it works

Eligibility

  • Open to companies, public authorities, NGOs and individuals working to develop smart communities in Romania.
  • Projects must be implemented or at an advanced stage of development.

How to apply

  • Applications were submitted through the 2025 edition's online form.
  • The application must describe the project, its objectives, results and impact.

Evaluation criteria

  • Impact on the community (innovation, sustainability, practicality).
  • Effectiveness of the proposed solutions (data and measurable results).
  • Scalability and replicability (potential to be rolled out elsewhere).

The jury

  • Made up of international experts and industry representatives.
  • The jury's decision is final and cannot be appealed.

What winners receive

National and international recognition for excellence in public administration and community development. Wide media coverage through the Congress's partners and official channels. Access to funding opportunities and cooperation with authorities, financial institutions and investors. A trophy of excellence and an official diploma from the Congress of Mayors and Local Administration of Romania and the Romanian Smart City Association.

What nominees receive

Greater visibility at the event and on the official digital platforms. Networking with public administration leaders, decision-makers and strategic partners. Confirmation of the quality and impact of their projects, strengthening their standing as examples of good practice in public administration.

The Sustainability Gala returns at the 3rd edition, on 23 March 2027.

About the 2027 Gala →

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