Romania
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Romanian prosecutors probe far-right politician Georgescu’s suspected Wagner links
Prosecutors announce six charges against Calin Georgescu, while investigating suspected connections between his bodyguard and Russia’s paramilitary Wagner Group.
Romania’s CFA Society confidence index improves but outlook remains bleak
Romania’s macroeconomic confidence index (chart), compiled by CFA Society Romania, increased by 2.3 points month on month to 40.4 in January. Despite this improvement, it remained below the neutral 50-point threshold.
Romanian far-right presidential candidate taken in for questioning
Elon Musk tweets support for Calin Georgescu after Romanian politician is detained and probed by prosectors for allegedly supporting illegal organisations.
Far-right opposition in Romania files no-confidence motion against government
Parliament expected to reject motion, launched by far-right parties to keep political tensions high until the presidential elections in May.
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Romanian opposition demands probe into Russia-linked contractor for Nato base
USR says a company with alleged ties to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska was awarded a contract for the construction of Nato’s largest military base in Europe.
Relief in Emerging Europe at AfD’s election defeat, but concern over party's gains
Mainstream politicians across Central and Southeast Europe have expressed relief at the outcome of Germany's general election, which saw the far-right Alternative for Germany make gains but ultimately fall short of securing victory.
US administration 'misinformed about Romanian elections', says presidential candidate Nicusor Dan
US Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk have repeatedly criticised the cancelation of Romania's 2024 presidential election and expressed support for far-right candidate Calin Georgescu.
Romanian startup Bible Chat raises $14mn in Series A led by True Ventures
Bible Chat is 13th among the most downloaded apps on the App Store, alongside WhatsApp and Instagram, and has so far reached 10mn users.
BALKAN BLOG: Upended world order enables Russia’s return to Southeast Europe
The US’s distancing from its traditional democratic allies and embrace of the far right paves the way for the return of Russian influence to a region from which it has long been in retreat.
Romania's retail market expands despite economic slowdown, says Colliers
Growth reflects improved purchasing power, with Romania outpacing major economies in the region – and even some Western European countries – in per capita spending on clothing and footwear, says new Colliers report.
Far-right politician Diana Sosoaca to enter Romanian presidential race
SOS Romania leader Diana Sosoaca makes new attempt to run for presidency after she was barred in 2024 for posing a threat to democracy.
Trump administration reportedly pressured Romania to lift restrictions on Tate brothers
Disgraced influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in December 2022 on charges including human trafficking, sexual misconduct and money laundering.
Southeast Europe’s far right revel in Vance’s attack on Europe
Right-wing and pro-Russian politicians across Southeast Europe applauded US Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of the European Union at the Munich Security Conference.
Romania’s GDP grows 0.9% in 2024, flash estimate shows
Romania’s economy expanded by 0.9% year on year in 2024 (chart), after posting a 0.7% y/y increase in Q4, according to a flash estimate from the national statistics office.
Romania’s industrial output contracts 1.6% y/y in 2024 despite Q4 rebound
Utilities sector weighed on overall performance, while food manufacturing, chemicals and oil refining bucked the negative trend.
Romania’s President Iohannis resigns
Klaus Iohannis quits ahead of parliament vote on his suspension saying he doesn't want Romania to become a "laughing stock".
Europe's economic woes made worse by looming trade war with US, says Goldman Sachs
Cyclical industries across Europe are in danger from the economic slowdown sweeping Europe, Goldman Sachs warned in a note on February 4. They were already reeling from years of a polycrisis, but now President Trump is threatening a trade war.
Romania’s retail sales leap by 8.6% y/y in 2024, but outlook deteriorates
State forecasting body CNP expects consumption to lose momentum in 2025 after reviving in 2024 to levels not seen since the start of the war in neighbouring Ukraine.
Erste warns Romania needs further fiscal correction but downgrade risk remains low
Downgrade to junk only likely if Romania fails to show credible fiscal consolidation plans, says new Erste report.