BIO

Pavel Popescu currently serves as Vice President/Deputy Minister of the National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications (ANCOM) in Romania, appointed by the Romanian Parliament on October 10, 2023, for a six-year term. In this role, he oversees the regulation of telecommunications, the electronic communications market, postal services, Digital Services Act compliance, and space cooperation, bringing a strategic vision to Romania`s communications sector.

A former Chairman of the Defense and National Security Committee, Mr. Popescu served two terms as a Member of Parliament while also holding a Vice President position within the National Liberal Party (PNL).

Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping Romania`s 5G, cybersecurity, and foreign direct investment (FDI) legislation, which now stand as international benchmarks for regulatory effectiveness in these critical areas.

He was the principal political force behind the first law in Europe that obliged telecom operators to remove Chinese equipment from their infrastructure, a decisive move in strengthening Romania`s and Europe`s cybersecurity. Additionally, he spearheaded the creation of Romania`s FDI legislation, making it the first country in the world to implement an investment screening mechanism mirroring the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment (CIFIUS), a landmark achievement in securing national economic interests.

Further demonstrating his commitment to democratic values and historical justice, Mr. Popescu promoted the legislation that allocated $3 million in support of the Victims of Communism Museum in Washington D.C., reinforcing Romania`s dedication to preserving the memory of those who suffered under totalitarian regimes.

A strong advocate for NATO and transatlantic security, he has consistently fought against Chinese and Russian interference in Romania, the broader region, and Europe, working to fortify the country`s resilience against hybrid threats and foreign influence. He was also the architect behind the creation of the Romanian National Cybersecurity Directorate (DNSC), playing a key role in its establishment and the legislative framework that strengthened its capabilities. Recognizing the need to attract and retain top talent in cybersecurity, he championed laws that significantly increased the salaries of specialists working within DNSC, ensuring Romania remains a leader in cyber defense and resilience.

Recognized internationally as an expert on 5G, national security, cybersecurity, and FDI legislation, Mr. Popescu is frequently invited to speak at global events, sharing insights that contribute to advancing regulatory standards worldwide.

In his current role at ANCOM, he recently led a groundbreaking collaboration with SpaceX, making Romania the first country globally to partner with SpaceX and Starlink in exploring reforms to EPFD (Equivalent Power Flux Density) regulations. This pioneering effort aims to boost global competitiveness in the new space economy and set the direction for the future of satellite communications.