However, most companies have increased market share and expanded into new sectors, while planning acquisitions.

Just 25% of Romanian chief executives are confident about revenue growth next year, the lowest level in five years and below both global (30%) and CEE (42%) averages. Only 39% are confident about three-year growth prospects, according to PwC's CEO Survey 2026.

"The perception of Romanian business leaders is apparently paradoxical, but the two trends complement each other," said Daniel Anghel, Country Managing Partner at PwC Romania. "Low optimism reflects a maturation of the Romanian business environment. CEOs no longer view the future with unconditional enthusiasm, but through a lucid evaluation of the economic and fiscal situation, international geopolitical risks and accelerated digital transformation."

Despite reduced confidence, Romanian companies remain active. Most (57%) have increased their market share over the past five years, above global (42%) and regional (46%) averages. Additionally, 52% have entered new industries, while 46% plan at least one major acquisition in the next three years.

Artificial intelligence shows potential but concrete results remain limited. Only 12% of Romanian executives say their organisations have achieved both additional revenue and cost reductions through AI, similar to regional and global averages. However, nearly half (48%) have a clear AI strategy, and two-thirds (67%) say their organisation has a culture open to AI adoption.

Inflation, macroeconomic volatility and geopolitical conflicts remain the main concerns for Romanian CEOs. One-third say their organisations are highly exposed to economic instability and price increases. Only 18% perceive high risk from cyber threats, compared to 31% globally, suggesting Romanian firms may not have faced major cyber attacks yet rather than being more secure.