Economy
Romania leads EU inflation in November
Romania posted in November in the highest inflation rate in the European Union, according to statistical office Eurostat.
Holiday spending is decreasing by about 10% this year compared to 2024, as three-quarters of consumers (77%, up from 69% in 2024) expect higher prices on holiday goods.
Romania faces an economic maturity test, with the key question being whether it can transform current vulnerabilities into reforms and progress.
Romania's annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 9.8% in November.
Romania's trade balance deficit (FOB/CIF) reached €27.493 billion in the first ten months of this year, increasing by €275.7 million (+1%) compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
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%.
Romanian employees are among the least likely to use artificial intelligence at work, with only 44% reporting AI usage in the past year compared to a global average of 57%, according to a PwC survey.
Romania's economy grew 0.8% on the gross series and 1.4% on the seasonally adjusted series in the first nine months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Romanian businesses continue to face financial difficulties, with insolvency cases reaching 985 in November 2025.
Industrial production prices (domestic and external markets) increased by 8% in October 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by Romania's National Institute of Statistics (INS).
Romania's consolidated general budget recorded a deficit of €21.8 billion (RON 108.87 billion) in the first ten months of 2025, representing 5.72% of GDP. This marks a decrease of €110 million compared to the same period in 2024, when the deficit stood at 6.22% of GDP.
Romanian business associations have renewed their call for the elimination of the minimum tax on turnover (IMCA) ahead of the 2026 state budget discussions, citing significant negative impacts on investment decisions.
The Macroeconomic Confidence Indicator compiled by CFA Romania Association fell by 7.3 points in October 2025, reflecting continued economic uncertainty in the country.
The EY Entrepreneurship Barometer reveals that 60% of Romanian entrepreneurs plan to invest in innovation, even as 63% consider the business environment unfavourable.
Family business revenues are projected to reach $29 trillion by 2030, reflecting an 84% increase compared to 2020, according to a Deloitte study. These businesses currently account for 19% of all business revenue globally and represent more than 18,000 entities worldwide.
Romania's real GDP growth is forecast to remain low over the next two years, primarily due to the necessary fiscal consolidation measures that will slow consumption.
In 2023, the EU spent €1.72 trillion on healthcare expenditure, equivalent to 10.0% of the EU's gross domestic product, according to Eurostat.
Romania's economy delivered a mild upside surprise in the third quarter, with flash estimates pointing to 1.6% annual growth, above expectations. However, the economy still contracted by 0.2% versus the previous quarter. After nine months of 2025, the economy is 0.8% above the same period of 2024, according to a report by ING Bank Romania.
Romanian inflation eased slightly to 9.8% in October from 9.9% in September, with declining food prices providing some relief while services inflation remained elevated. The National Bank of Romania is expected to maintain current rates until mid-2026.
Nearly half of Romanian managers (41%) anticipate an economic downturn in the country in 2026, driven by a challenging economic and political context.
The tax-to-GDP ratio in Romania remains one of the lowest in the European Union, despite registering an increase in 2024, according to recent data published by Eurostat.
The government has committed to a stable tax environment for the next fiscal year, officially confirming that the VAT will not be increased.
Romania recorded the largest general government deficit in the EU during the second quarter of 2025, reaching -8.7% of GDP.
Romania's private companies are forecasting a slowdown in salary growth for 2026, with an average projected increase of 6%.
Romania's annual inflation rate climbed to 9.88% in September, a marginal increase from the 9.85% recorded in August, according to the latest data from the INS.
Romania posted in November in the highest inflation rate in the European Union, according to statistical office Eurostat.
Romanian construction company Bog'Art has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, marking the second year the company voluntarily reports on its environmental, social and governance performance. The report demonstrates the company's commitment to transparency and sustainable development in Romania's construction industry.
Fitch Ratings has affirmed its Long-Term Issuer Default Rating of BBB- with a negative outlook for Romanian state-owned nuclear power company Nuclearelectrica.
Romania's Ministry of Finance attracted almost RON 1.5 billion (€293 million) through its 11th Fidelis government bond offering of 2025, which began trading on the Bucharest Stock Exchange.
Ebury, the global fintech specialising in international payments and FX risk management, has appointed Cosmin Bucur as its new Country Manager for Romania.