“Romania is not just another market for us; it is a strategic partner in our long-term growth story. Over the next decade, we aim to make AKTOR one of the leading infrastructure and concessions companies in the country, delivering complex road, rail, and energy projects that shape the future,” Alexandros Exarchou, AKTOR Group’s Chairman and CEO told The Diplomat-Bucharest.
“Our commitment is already significant. In 2024, turnover from Romania reached €233 million, representing almost a fifth of our construction activity. Our current portfolio includes some of the country’s most important infrastructure projects, worth hundreds of millions of euros. We intend to deepen this investment by competing for €3.7 billion in upcoming road and rail projects, expanding into PPP concessions, and exploring opportunities in renewables and real estate. And Romania will continue to be a priority destination for our €2 billion group-wide investment plan.”
How would you describe AKTOR’s overall vision for its operations in Romania over the next decade?
Romania is not just another market for us; it is a strategic partner in our long-term growth story. Over the next decade, we aim to make AKTOR one of the leading infrastructure and concessions companies in the country, delivering complex road, rail, and energy projects that shape the future. Our vision is to combine the best of our Greek engineering approach and expertise with deep local engagement, building assets that serve communities for generations. By 2030, we expect Romania to represent a major part of AKTOR’s portfolio, driven by public works, PPPs, and energy infrastructure, all aligned with European priorities for green transition and connectivity.
What factors make Romania an attractive market for AKTOR’s continued investment and expansion?
Romania offers a unique combination of economic dynamism, strategic location, and a clear commitment to infrastructure modernisation. The country’s growth rate is among the highest in the EU, with unprecedented levels of investment through the Recovery and Resilience Facility. As a bridge between Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea, Romania is also ideally positioned to play a central role in regional logistics and, in the future, Ukraine’s reconstruction. For AKTOR, this is an environment where our capabilities and ambitions can thrive.
Can you share your perspective on the broader economic and social implications of AKTOR’s major infrastructure projects in Romania?
Infrastructure is more than concrete and steel, it is about connecting people, creating opportunity, and improving quality of life. Our work on projects like the A0 South Motorway and the Brașov–Sighişoara railway strengthens Romania’s internal cohesion, reduces travel times, and makes movement safer and more efficient. These projects support economic decentralisation, help address regional inequalities, and open up new possibilities for investment and tourism. They also generate jobs and transfer know-how to the local workforce, creating lasting benefits well beyond the construction phase.
How do AKTOR’s projects contribute to Romania’s long-term development in terms of connectivity and regional integration?
We see our projects as building blocks in Romania’s role within the European transport network. By enhancing Trans-European corridors, improving cross-border links, and modernising urban mobility, we are helping Romania integrate more deeply into the European economy. Better connectivity supports trade, strengthens logistics, and makes the country more competitive. Just as importantly, these links create the foundation for regional cooperation, including the potential role Romania will play in the rebuilding of Ukraine.
What are the main challenges you’ve encountered in executing large-scale infrastructure works in Romania, and how have you addressed them?
Every market has its own challenges, and Romania is no exception. Bureaucratic complexity, inflationary pressures, and competition for skilled labour have all tested the industry. We have responded by investing in advanced project management systems, improving cost and time forecasting, and strengthening our local teams. Training programmes, such as Aktor4TheFuture, are helping us nurture the next generation of engineers and technicians. Our approach is proactive – we do not wait for conditions to improve; we adapt and innovate to deliver regardless.
Could you elaborate on the scale of AKTOR’s investment in Romania so far and whether new capital inflows are planned?
Our commitment is already significant. In 2024, turnover from Romania reached €233 million, representing almost a fifth of our construction activity. Our current portfolio includes some of the country’s most important infrastructure projects, worth hundreds of millions of euros. We intend to deepen this investment by competing for €3.7 billion in upcoming road and rail projects, expanding into PPP concessions, and exploring opportunities in renewables and real estate. And Romania will continue to be a priority destination for our €2 billion group-wide investment plan.
How important is the local workforce to AKTOR’s success in Romania, and how do you approach training and development here?
Our success here is built on the dedication and skill of Romanian professionals. We are proud to work alongside a talented local workforce, both directly employed and through our partners. We invest in their growth, providing access to modern tools, training in international best practices, and opportunities to work on complex, high-profile projects. We believe in building capabilities, not just completing contracts, this way, our contribution to Romania’s development extends far beyond the infrastructure we leave behind.
Are there any upcoming infrastructure or development projects in Romania that AKTOR is particularly excited about?
Yes – our ongoing work on the Brașov–Sighişoara railway, which involves Romania’s longest railway tunnels, is both technically challenging and nationally important. We are also preparing to participate in new road and rail tenders, and we see strong potential in PPP projects across the country. Looking ahead, we are excited by opportunities linked to the EU’s green and digital transition, projects that will require not only engineering excellence but also innovation and sustainability at their core. Romania is a forward-thinking country in this space.
