XPRIMM: Mr. Greceanu, you are a true “veteran” of the Green Card System, with long-standing involvement in BAAR’s leadership and a previous mandate as Vice-President of the COB. This year, your remarkable career was crowned by your election as President of the COB. From the perspective of your extensive experience, how do you assess the recent evolution of the COB?

Sorin GRECEANU: Our more recent decisions have led to a significant enlargement and enrichment of our organization COB, with our membership now encompassing 60 members. We have evolved from One Pillar, the Green Card System, to a Two Pillars System, welcoming new members from the Protection of Visitors System into COB. This has not only increased our membership but also broadened our roles and areas of knowledge and expertise, presenting both greater complexity and new opportunities.

Over the past five years, COB has faced a series of unprecedented challenges. Under the leadership of its first Presidential College, we navigated the global pandemic and the refugee crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. The suspension of Russia and Belarus from the Green Card System created a new reality at the borders of the entire Green Card System and the border of the EEA countries, with a surge in demand for frontier insurance - not only from Ukrainian vehicles fleeing the war, but also from vehicles entering the EEA from the newly suspended countries, which could no longer rely on Green Cards.

COB, also holds responsibility for secretarial services related to frontier insurance, and therefore had to respond swiftly. We took difficult but necessary decisions, including the suspension of three National Bureaux from active membership and intensifying oversight of other Bureaux to safeguard the proper functioning of the Green Card System. These experiences have strengthened our organization, equipping us with broader technical expertise and more effective tools to respond to future crises.

Recognizing the need to adapt, we as COB had to reactivate the dedicated Working Group on Frontier Insurance to review and modernize the rules governing its issuance.

The smooth functioning of the system – more specifically its financial component – was also challenged in the course of the past years by the difficulties in cross-border monetary transfers necessary to ensure the continuous timely compensation of victims, which was caused by the changing geopolitical situation. COB worked closely with impacted Bureaux to ensure that workable solutions are negotiated and implemented, in order to avoid „paralyzing” cross-border cash flows to the detriment of the Green Card system and victims’ rights.

These unprecedented situations we had to deal with in a very prompt and professional manner have strengthened us all and this is why I am sure that we now possess an even wider knowledge and experience, and we have more tools at our disposal to enhance the response to unforeseen situations and the efficiency of COB.

XPRIMM: You are the first Romanian to hold such a high-ranking position within the Green Card System – a remarkable achievement in which the quality of BAAR’s work has undoubtedly played an important role. How would you describe BAAR’s activity in recent years and its position within the Green Card System?

S.G.: BAAR’s activity in recent years has been particularly complex, intense, and challenging. I refer in particular to the significant impact of the most recent two bankruptcies recorded, on the Romanian MTPL market: City Insurance in 2021 and Euroins in 2023. These bankruptcies, along with the previous two cases in 2015 (Astra) and 2016 (Carpatica), have severely tested BAAR’s capacity to assume and manage, in relation with the other Bureaux within the Green Card System, all the claims opened outside Romania based on MTPL/Green Card policies issued by these insurers prior to their insolvency.

Through extraordinary logistical and human efforts, and with the invaluable support of all BAAR members—who contributed to the financing of the National Protection Fund—we have successfully overcome these challenges. As a result, the Romanian Bureau has fully honored its role as external guarantor of the Romanian MTPL market, earning recognition from the other bureaux for how it managed the crisis and contributed to the stability of the Green Card System.

Another major challenge was the situation caused by the war initiated by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, during which BAAR, alongside other bureaux in neighboring countries, had to cope with unprecedented circumstances. In this context as well, the solutions identified ensured proper management of the situation.

Furthermore, the bankruptcy of City Insurance served as the starting point for the implementation of the high-risk insured procedure. I use the term "starting point" because the concept of the high-risk insured was introduced as early as 2017 by Law no. 132, but until the withdrawal of City Insurance's license in September 2021, BAAR had not received any justified request under this procedure. Starting with October 2021, the situation changed significantly, and due to the rapid increase in the number of individuals requesting access to the high-risk insured mechanism, we had to revise both the procedure and the software applications to meet this growing demand - reaching nearly one hundred thousand such requests in 2024. Since then, we have repeatedly adapted the allocation process and the dedicated IT application.

I could also mention other relevant activities and projects carried out by BAAR to date, such as: the development and continuous updating of the AIDA – national mtpl database to comply with evolving legal requirements and reporting obligations; the launch of the mobile application „AMIABILA” as a modern digital alternative to the printed version of the amicable accident report form, in line with the broader digitalization trends of society; the implementation of a dedicated IT platform for BAAR members to facilitate digital document exchange within the direct settlement and administrative recourse procedures; as well as the rollout of a new internal software system for integrated claims management.

Last but not least, BAAR plays an active role in the development of the system within COB, contributing at the level of committees, working groups, and other permanent or ad-hoc structures. BAAR is a consistent participant in the IT Committee, the Working Group for the review of the Internal Regulations (IR), the GDPR Working Group, and the Insolvency Working Group. The latter, together with COB, has developed and maintained a close and constructive cooperation with the European Commission, built on trust and professionalism. Notable progress has been achieved in finalizing and signing the agreements between Insolvency Bodies and in integrating their coordination under the COB Secretariat.

At the same time, BAAR contributes actively to international cooperation processes, through participation in initiatives carried out with organizations such as the Institute for European Traffic Law (IETL) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), especially in the context of activities which led to the adopting of the Charter of Road Traffic Victims' Rights.

With its accumulated technical expertise and domain-specific know-how, BAAR provides valuable contributions to the improvement of the Green Card System's and POV Systems operations, promoting high standards of compliance, efficiency, and interoperability among National Bureaux, Guarantee Funds, Compensation Bodies and Information Centres.

XPRIMM: The Green Card System has had to navigate an increasingly complex international environment, with the COB constantly required to identify solutions to ensure its efficient functioning despite the challenges. What transformations has this succession of difficulties generated in COB’s activity, and what are the main directions you intend to pursue during your mandate?

S.G.: My key priorities are threefold:
 

• Financial Stability: to ensure that we remain safe, healthy and are able to fulfil one of our missions, the protection of victims of road traffic accidents
• Digital Modernization: Implementing technology that streamlines processing and enhances transparency.
• Policy Consistency: Ensuring alignment across all members for a fair and predictable experience among ourselves.

These priorities are geared toward making the system more stable, equitable, and sustainable.

One more point that I find of utmost importance is to do all that is in our power to maintain a culture of dialogue and consensus in these new polarized times. We, and when I say we, I refer at least to the former and the new Presidential College of COB, should do everything to maintain our culture of constant dialogue, good understanding and trust, this is what made the success of our organization since 1949.

XPRIMM: The insurance industry is going through a period of profound transformation, driven by multiple factors – among them, the emergence of a new generation of consumers with needs, expectations, and mobility preferences that differ from the traditional ones. Do you believe this adaptation process will also influence the Green Card System?

S.G.: Yes, I believe the transformation underway in the insurance industry will have a direct and meaningful impact on the Green Card System. As mobility evolves - embracing autonomous driving, car sharing, and other modern forms - we must ensure that our system adapts accordingly to remain relevant and effective.

The Green Card System, through COB, plays a vital role in facilitating free movement in cross-border road traffic and ensuring high levels of protection for victims of road traffic accidents. To continue fulfilling this mission, we must address practical questions of mobility in the internal market and provide forward-looking answers. One significant step in this direction is the recent adoption of International Motor Insurance Certificates (IMICs) in electronic PDF format, which became mandatory to be accepted across all Green Card countries as of January 1, 2025. This decision, confirmed by the COB Supervisory Board, marks a major milestone in reducing administrative barriers and modernizing our approach to proof of insurance.

Looking ahead, I see COB dealing with all forms of mobility—not just traditional motor vehicles, but also autonomous systems and shared mobility platforms. This expansion will require us to rethink how we manage coverage, claims, and cross-border cooperation.

Personally, I’m committed to two key goals in this transformation:
 

• Highlighting the opportunities and risks of modern technologies, especially the role of AI in claims settlement and insurance operations. AI can streamline processes and improve fBAARrness, but it also demands careful oversight to maintain transparency and trust.
• Inspiring and involving younger generations in the rapidly changing world of mobility. Their unique expectations, skills and knowledge are already transforming the industry, making it essential to actively engage them in shaping the future of cross-border insurance. By embracing innovation while staying true to our core mission, the Green Card and POV System can continue to be a cornerstone of international motor insurance cooperation in a rapidly changing world.

XPRIMM: Digitalization is playing an increasingly important role in transforming the insurance industry, including international processes of compensation and cooperation between national bureaus. In your opinion, what are the main benefits that digitalization can bring to the Green Card System, and how could the COB support this modernization process? Do you have concrete examples of digital modernization within the Green Card System’s operations?

S.G.: Digitalization is a key enabler of modernization in the Green Card System, especially in the context of international cooperation and compensation. One of the most important benefits is the ability to streamline administrative processes between national bureaus, which leads to faster claims handling, improved data accuracy, and better protection for victims of cross-border road traffic accidents.

A concrete example of this progress is the recent adoption of International Motor Insurance Certificates (IMICs) in electronic PDF format, which became mandatory across all Green Card countries starting January 1, 2025. This decision, adopted at the COB General Assembly and confirmed by the Supervisory Board, marks a major step forward in removing paper-based barriers and enabling more flexible, secure, and accessible proof of insurance. It also encourages border and legal authorities to align with digital standards, paving the way for broader interoperability.

Another relevant example in the area of digitalization is the COB platform, which has undergone continuous development in recent years, significantly contributing to the streamlining of Green Card claims handling processes between national bureaux.

COB can further support this modernization by:

• Promoting and developing further its secure digital platforms for real-time data exchange between its members such as Bureaux, GF, CB and IC.
• Promoting the advancement of digital solutions that enable fast and seamless identification of the MTPL/IMIC/Green Card/Cross-Border insurer, the Green Card correspondent, and the Claims Representative, as well as the development of claims management systems that minimize manual intervention and enhance cross-border coordination. Engaging with younger generations to raise awareness and interest in mobility-related topics, ensuring the system evolves in line with future expectations.

Digitalization is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic transformation that strengthens the Green Card System’s ability to fulfill its mission in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.

By embracing innovation while staying true to our tradition and core mission, the COB, the Green Card System and the POV System will continue to be a cornerstone of international motor insurance cooperation and protection of cross-border traffic victims, of victims of uninsured driving and of hit and run cases in a rapidly changing world.

XPRIMM: In this complex context that we have outlined earlier, what do you consider to be the “number one priority” for the COB and for the entire Green Card System?

S.G.: The financial stability of our organization was, is and will remain of utter importance. It ensures that we remain safe, healthy and are able to fulfil our double mission, to facilitate free movement in cross-border road traffic by removing administrative barriers and to offer a high level of protection to victims of cross-border road traffic accidents by facilitating the compensation procedures. Financial strength and stability mean that we can deliver our functions properly, individually and collectively.

I strongly believe that all the Agreements, Regulations and framework exist to serve people and are sustained by dedicated individuals, people, our colleagues and friends that have ever worked and that work now each day in this international System of ours, be it from the COB Secretariat or in any of our member organizations from north to south, from east to vest, from large to small organizations, from young and enthusiastic to more mature and experienced. Each and every one makes it possible for the COB to benefit from a wide range of collective involvement, wisdom and experience. This good work is done in a very large international organization, the COB, where all the people involved nourish, foster and cherish good cooperation, open professional and polite communication. This allows us to build on this to keep the trust in one another at a high level I have not met or seen in other such large organizations. This culture of respect and trust is something that we all must preserve and build upon also in the future and only together will we keep our role, promises and important mission as COB.

To uphold and advance an international system built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, by fostering professional collaboration across all member organizations and ensuring that agreements and regulations serve the people they are designed to protect. Through collective dedication and shared values, we aim to fulfill COB’s vital role and long-standing commitment to cross-border motor insurance and victim protection.

Interview conducted by Daniela GHETU

CITATE:

All those involved in the COB’s activity support, encourage, and value cooperation, professional and respectful communication. This culture of respect and trust is a vital asset that we must protect and further strengthen in the future. Only together can we preserve our role, honor our commitments, and fulfill the important mission of the COB.

Digitalization is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic transformation that strengthens the Green Card System’s ability to fulfill its mission in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.

AI intelligence can streamline processes and increase fairness, but it requires careful oversight to maintain transparency and trust.

BAAR makes a valuable contribution to improving the functioning of the Green Card System and the Visitors’ Protection System, by promoting high standards of compliance, efficiency, and interoperability among National Bureaux, Guarantee Funds, Compensation Funds, and Information Centers.

The unprecedented circumstances we have had to manage with promptness and professionalism have strengthened the COB as an organization. For this reason, I am convinced that we now possess broader knowledge and experience, as well as additional tools that allow us to respond more effectively to unforeseen situations and to enhance the efficiency of COB’s activity.