Romania's government proposes €1 billion stimulus for economy
Romania's Ministry of Finance has published a legislative package aimed at establishing mechanisms to support strategic investments and accelerate the country's economic recovery.
Romania's Ministry of Finance has published a legislative package aimed at establishing mechanisms to support strategic investments and accelerate the country's economic recovery.
Romania's annual inflation rate decreased to 9.69% in December from 9.76% in November, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
The World Bank revised down Romania's 2026 growth forecast to 1.3%, compared to the 1.9% predicted in June 2025 and 2.6% estimated in January 2025.
The National Institute of Statistics (INS) has revised the economic performance for the first nine months of 2025.
Romanian business managers across key sectors forecast a moderate decline in economic activity for December 2025 to February 2026, according to the latest survey from the INS.
The traditional December shopping surge has weakened across Europe, with Romania recording a 20% increase in non-food sales during the holiday month compared to the previous 11 months, according to Colliers analysis of Eurostat data from 2015-2024.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 net profit of Romania's major companies has seen a slight decline of 1.6% in 2024, while their debts have surged by €11 billion, reaching a total of €239 billion.
Romania's GDP increased by 0.3% on the unadjusted series and 1.5% on the seasonally adjusted series in the first six months of the year, compared to the first half of 2024.
The National Bank of Romania (NBR) has decided to keep its monetary policy rate unchanged at 6.50% per annum, following a meeting of its Board on October 8.
The World Bank has revised Romania's GDP growth forecast for 2025 down to just 0.4%, a significant decrease from the 1.3% estimated in June.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a new country strategy for Romania, which will guide its investments and policy engagement.

Premier Energy has signed an agreement to acquire Distribuție Energie Oltenia (DEO) from funds managed by Macquarie Asset Management for approximately €700 million.
Romania's domestic energy production fell 2.1% in the first two months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS).
Grup Șerban Holding announced that its subsidiary Interagroaliment has filed for insolvency proceedings on April 15, 2026, due to financial difficulties.
The EU employment rate reached over 76% in 2025, but Romania remains among member states with the lowest employment rates, according to data published by Eurostat on Friday.
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into Romania's planned state support for refurbishing the Cernavoda 1 nuclear reactor, questioning whether the €3.2 billion aid package complies with EU state aid rules.