Southeast Europe / Data
Inflation digs into Romanians’ wages
The average net wage in Romania increased by 3.5% y/y to €1,117 in April, failing to keep pace with consumer prices.
Moldova’s inflation steady at 6.8% y/y in May
Inflation accelerated earlier this year with the rise partly driven by fuel prices.
Romania’s public debt exceeds 60% of GDP for first time at end-March
European Commission expects Romania’s public debt to rise further to 61.6% of GDP at end-2026 and 63.4% by end-2027.
North Macedonia retail sales growth slows to 2.1% in April
Data points to continued resilience in household consumption, although the pace of overall retail growth moderated significantly from the previous month.
Romania’s banking system profitability falls to four-year low in Q1
The sector’s profitability indicators dropped to their lowest levels in four years, after remaining well above the average of other European banking systems in recent years.
Moldova’s trade deficit narrows 2.7% y/y in Q1 on stronger crop exports
Higher exports were partly offset by more expensive imports of natural gas and electricity, with the quarterly trade gap at 8.9% of GDP.
Ukraine overtakes Moldova in income race to the title of Europe's poorest country
For years, Ukraine and Moldova have vied for the dubious honour of being the poorest country in Europe. The contest was close enough to be largely academic and they regularly traded last and second to last places for years. That symmetry is over.
Moldova’s industry grows 6.1% y/y in Q1 but fails to show sustained upward trend
Despite the solid annual growth, the figures continue to reflect a short-term recovery cycle rather than a sustainable medium-term expansion.
Moldova raises inflation forecast amid Middle East tensions and higher energy costs
Upward revision reflects higher expected prices for food, fuels and regulated utility tariffs, as well as the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on international markets.
Romania keeps key interest rate at 6.5%
National Bank of Romania maintains a cautious stance amid persistent inflationary pressures, political uncertainty and external risks linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Romania’s industrial output shrinks by 2.8% q/q in Q1
Latest figures indicate a return to the longer-term downward trend in Romanian industry after a temporary rebound in 2025.
Romania’s economy contracts by 1.7% y/y in first quarter
Fiscal consolidation measures and weaker domestic demand weighed on activity.
Kosovo’s annual inflation rises to 7.5% in April
Annual increase mainly driven by higher prices in transport, which surged by 16.1%.
Romania’s trade deficit narrows 9.3% to €7.7bn in Q1
Decline in imports reflects weaker domestic consumption and subdued economic activity amid ongoing fiscal consolidation measures.
Fuel and food prices push Moldova’s inflation up 1pp to 6.8% y/y in April
Acceleration in inflation supports central bank decision to raise its policy rate by 1.5 pp to 6.5%, in a shift toward a more hawkish monetary stance.
Moldova hikes policy rate amid expected inflationary pressures
National Bank of Moldova cited expected inflationary pressures linked to the increase in international prices for energy resources, food products and raw materials.
Romania’s retail sales post third consecutive quarterly decline in Q1
Annual decline in retail sales volume index reflects lingering effects of the VAT increase introduced in August 2025, weakening consumer confidence and tighter household budgets.
Bank of Albania holds rates steady, warns oil price shock may lift inflation
Central bank says rising oil and energy prices linked to tensions in the Middle East are expected to push inflation temporarily above target while only marginally slowing economic growth.
Serbia ranks among top global gold buyers in 2026
Serbia's central bank continued to diversify reserves amid geopolitical uncertainty, according to data from the World Gold Council.
Moldova’s industrial output up 2.4% y/y in January-February
Expansion supported by strong growth in the energy sector, while a steep contraction in extractive industries weighed on overall performance.