Ciprian Ciucu promises to transform Bucharest into a European city over the next 10 years

Bucharest General Mayor Ciprian Ciucu says the capital needs 10 years to become a “truly European” city, with more green spaces, pedestrian areas and modern infrastructure. The mayor presented this vision on Wednesday at an event organized by the Romanian-Dutch Chamber of Commerce, in front of Dutch businesspeople.

Ciucu announced that he intends to regenerate the center of the capital following Madrid’s model by transforming the banks of the Dâmbovița River, the Magheru area and the area around the Royal Palace. On Magheru Boulevard, which he describes as polluted and noisy, the mayor wants green squares, spaces for relaxation and areas where people can dine. Design competitions will be organized for these projects, and they could last between six and eight months.

Reducing the number of cars parked above ground is another priority. Ciucu believes underground parking garages are the solution for freeing up the city center, currently described as a “car depot.” City Hall has identified five potential locations for parking facilities, which are to be prioritized.

The mayor also said he would continue developing bicycle lanes and connecting existing ones so that they form continuous routes. He specified that all future projects would include bicycle lanes, in coordination with the district mayors. Ciucu warned that the transformation would be difficult, but promised that the result would be worth the effort.