How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

I consider the role of the legal department to be primarily supportive, with the aim of maintaining stakeholders’ trust and confidence, particularly during periods of instability or crises. To achieve this, I provide clear and transparent legal advice that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term implications. By anticipating potential risks and offering proactive solutions, the legal team remains well-prepared to address emerging challenges. This strategy aligns with the broader business goals, especially considering the increasing unpredictability and dynamism in the real estate market.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

In my view, Romania’s real estate market has seen increased professionalism on both the development and client sides. This growth in expertise is critical for maintaining a healthy, competitive market that can foster long-term sustainability. Developers are becoming more responsive to regulatory frameworks and client demands, while clients are increasingly informed and discerning in their expectations. These dynamics contribute positively to the industry’s stability and resilience. Despite this, however, there remains a significant trust gap between the general public and the real estate market, largely due to the actions of a few ‘bad apples’. These negative experiences have led to growing public scepticism, which is now being amplified by political actors seeking to capitalise on populist sentiments. This mistrust not only damages the industry’s reputation but also distorts public perception, casting a shadow over the many legitimate, well-intentioned developers who drive the market forward. In summary, I consider one of the main (unfortunately negative) trends in Romania to be the increased political involvement in the real estate sector, often in ways that hinder development, adopting the clearly flawed logic of ‘killing the sharks by draining the entire sea’.