Romanian firms invest despite economic uncertainty, EIB finds

Business Forum
The European Investment Bank (EIB) reveals that 78% of Romanian firms invested in the past year, up from previous editions but still below the EU average of 86%. Despite this investment activity, Romanian businesses report a more negative view of the economic, political and regulatory environment than their EU peers, according to a bank report.

Looking ahead, 44% of Romanian firms plan to focus investment on expanding production capacity over the next three years, significantly more than the EU average of 26%. The survey highlights that Romanian firms are embracing change while managing multiple pressures, from geopolitics and supply chain disruptions to climate risks and regulations.

"Romanian firms are investing and modernising, even in an increasingly uncertain environment," said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. "Companies clearly recognize opportunities in the Romanian market, especially as EU funds and public investment drive improvements in infrastructure and public services."

The companies are rapidly adopting digital technologies, with 48% now using multiple advanced digital tools, matching the EU average. Additionally, 30% make systematic use of generative AI to improve processes, particularly in marketing and sales where they exceed EU averages.

Most firms report losses from climate change, with 65% taking steps to strengthen resilience to physical risks. However, fewer Romanian companies than the EU average have invested to cut emissions, viewing new climate rules more as a risk than an opportunity. Romania performs well on gender balance, with 40% of firms reporting women represent at least 40% of senior management, well above the EU's 25%.

RECOMMENDED
EIB backs Romanian farmers with €25 million loan
Agriculture

EIB backs Romanian farmers with €25 million loan

Romanian farmers will gain access to additional financing through a €25 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to Agricover Credit IFN. The non-bank financial institution will channel the funds to micro agricultural businesses seeking to improve productivity and environmental sustainability.

EIB backs 400MW wind farm in Romania
Energy

EIB backs 400MW wind farm in Romania

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is committing up to €30 million to co-finance a major onshore wind farm project in the eastern part of the country, near the Black Sea coast.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Bucharest yields remain well above Western European levels
Real estate

Bucharest yields remain well above Western European levels

Bucharest is consolidating its position within the Central and Eastern European (CEE) real estate market, combining rental growth across major asset classes with investment yields that remain well above Western European levels, according to the DNA of Real Estate Europe Q2 2026 report published by Cushman & Wakefield. Across Europe in Q2 2026, prime office rents rose 4.5% year-on-year, retail rents increased 3.0%, and logistics rents grew 2.4%, while investors remained selective as yield movements pointed to a more balanced market following the repricing cycle of recent years.

Energy

Electrica secures grid permits for 700 MWh of storage

Energy company Electrica informs investors and the capital market that it has obtained the technical grid connection permits (ATR) for 17 new battery energy storage projects (BESS), with a total capacity of approximately 700 MWh.

Energy

Romanian grid operator to support peak power consumption during heatwave

Romania's national electricity transmission network operator, Transelectrica, has halted scheduled maintenance shutdowns to ensure the grid operates at maximum capacity during an ongoing extreme heatwave. The preventive measures aim to mitigate operational risks associated with severe weather conditions.