Romania Eyes OECD Membership, Strengthens Public Investment as 2026 Begins
Bucharest, The Gulf Observer: Romania is entering 2026 “with confidence and optimism” after concluding 2025 with solid economic and fiscal results, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare said, emphasizing the role of budgetary discipline, strategic decisions, and efficient management of public funds.
In a Facebook post, Minister Nazare outlined that by the end of 2025, the Treasury supported public investments with payments totaling 1.7 billion lei, including 1.3 billion lei allocated to projects financed by European funds. He added that approximately 4 billion lei were directed toward local development and defense, 2 billion lei for state obligations to businesses via reimbursement of medical leave, and 1 billion lei for key sectors such as energy, environment, defense, and foreign affairs. Following the latest budget revision, the government also injected an additional 12 billion lei into the economy.
“Through budgetary discipline, responsible decisions, and more efficient management of public funds, we have laid the foundation with which we enter 2026,” Nazare said.
The minister highlighted that the coming year will be pivotal for Romania’s path toward OECD membership, which he described as a “strategic anchor of stability and international credibility,” expected to positively impact financing costs and investment stability. Public investments will remain the main driver of economic growth, with continued implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), accelerated projects under the 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy, and substantial investments in infrastructure, energy, health, education, and local development. “2026 will finally be the year of European funds for Romania,” Nazare added.
Fiscal and budgetary stabilization, he noted, will provide greater predictability for entrepreneurs and the business environment, while ongoing digitalization and administrative efficiency will strengthen investor and public confidence. Concluding his remarks, Nazare stated, “We enter the new year with responsibility, seriousness, and optimism. I do not believe in miracles, but I do believe in sustained work, discipline, and the consistent building of development sources.”
