From Brussels to Harghita: why I fight so that poor people are not left behind
Borboly Csaba, Vice President of the Harghita County Council, speaking today in Brussels as an observer of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), took part in an online consultation of the European Commission, where the new version of EU state aid rules – the so-called GBER – was discussed. His intervention focused on Harghita County and rural communities in Romania living in poverty.
What this is about – in simple terms
In the European Union, there is a rule that determines when the Romanian state or a county can provide financial support – tax breaks, wage subsidies, investment aid – to a company, cooperative or association. This rule is called GBER (General Block Exemption Regulation). The Commission is currently revising it, and the new version will enter into force on January 1, 2027.
This matters for people in Harghita County because:
It determines how easily a cooperative, association or social enterprise in the Ciuc or Odorhei areas can receive support
It sets how long and to what extent wage subsidies can be granted for employing disadvantaged workers (older people, unskilled individuals, those living in deep poverty, people with disabilities)
It also defines the level of support available for social housing and energy-efficiency projects carried out by social enterprises
Why I spoke up – firmly, but diplomatically
There is a reality in Romania that must be stated clearly: over the past decade, most EU-funded social economy projects only functioned during the funding period. Once it ended, they collapsed. The communities we aimed to lift up fell back – often into even worse conditions than before.
This is not a criticism of hardworking people, but a systemic problem: the EU must not fund projects without ensuring a sustainable framework. That is why I told representatives of the Commission – DG EMPL and DG COMP – that:
A new legal definition of “social enterprise” is not enough. Without continuous and predictable public support, it will remain just a concept on paper.
Wage subsidies for disadvantaged workers cannot be limited to 1–2 years. In Harghita County, where structural unemployment exists, this is not enough to build lasting employment.
Europe has a responsibility to prevent regions from falling behind socially. New rules must be shaped together with mayors, county councils and social workers, not only ministries.
What this means for Harghita County – concretely
The funding exists – it must be accessed
Romania has €7.3 billion available through ESF+ for 2021–2027 to improve employment, education and social inclusion. The main framework is the Education and Employment Program (PEO).
Within it, a dedicated subprogram for social economy (ESO4.1) has around €99.4 million, including €80 million from ESF+, supporting social enterprises and work-integration enterprises.
In Harghita County, the employment agency (AJOFM) already organizes free vocational training (plumbers, sales workers, kitchen assistants, Romanian language courses) funded by ESF+.
Warning: the number of “discouraged” people is rising
In early 2025, AJOFM Harghita reported a growing number of people who no longer seek work because they believe they cannot find any. This is exactly the group that strengthened GBER support for disadvantaged workers could help – if we act in time.
What must be done urgently at county level
We cannot afford to fall behind. After GBER enters into force (January 1, 2027), Member States will have 6 months to adapt. Until then, we must prepare:
A formal cooperation protocol between AJOFM, the County Council and social economy actors
Mapping existing social enterprises
A specialized legal and project team on state aid rules
Long-term, sustainable models (not only temporary projects)
Energy-efficiency investments in social housing
Continuous monitoring of funding opportunities and interpretation of GBER
Why this is personal to me
The social economy is not an abstraction. It means:
a widow in Cașin earning a dignified income in a cooperative
a young man in Praid learning a profession
an elderly person in Gheorgheni receiving a warm meal
a Roma community finally getting a real chance to break out of deep poverty
That is why I spoke in Brussels today. And tomorrow, at the webinar of the Cypriot EU Presidency, I will say the same: Europe is strong only if it does not leave even the smallest village behind.
Borboly Csaba
Vice President, Harghita County Council
Member of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR)
Member of GECES
Miercurea Ciuc, April 20, 2026
