Romania is positioning itself as a key retail market in Central and Eastern Europe, with developers shifting focus from large cities to smaller communities, according to a Colliers report. While large cities previously concentrated three quarters of modern retail stock, rising incomes and demand for modern formats are making communities of around 50,000 inhabitants attractive for new investment, with retail parks driving development.
More than 417,000 sqm of industrial space were leased in H1 2025, marking an over 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to Colliers data.
Romania's retail stock expanded by around 106,000 sqm during H1 2026, with another 205,000 sqm under development that could help the country reach the 5 million sqm milestone at the end of 2026, according to a Colliers report.
The Iran war continues without a clear end, and financial market participants are beginning to consider a scenario where the conflict extends over months rather than weeks, according to an Ebury analysis.
Romanians are spending more on cinema experiences as economic pressures drive a shift towards leisure-oriented consumption. Cinema revenues reached approximately €63 million in 2025, up 16% compared to 2024 and around 10% above pre-pandemic levels, according to Colliers data.
Affidea Romania continues its expansion plan in integrated medical services and announces the acquisition of five centres: Phoenix clinics in Bucharest, Arad, Sf. Gheorghe, Sighetu Marmaţiei and GMH Clinic in the capital. The Affidea network now reaches 81 clinics in 33 cities.
Although 86% of organisations plan to increase their artificial intelligence (AI) investments, only 18% can fully leverage this technology, according to an Accenture report.
