The European Commission has concluded that Romania's €250 million (RON 1.25 billion) recapitalisation of the majority state-owned Exim Banca Romaneasca does not constitute State aid within the meaning of EU State aid rules. In September 2024, Romania informed the Commission of its intention to recapitalise Exim Banca Romaneasca. The primary goals were to increase lending volumes, develop synergies between retail and corporate activities, optimise internal processes, and improve the structure of financing sources. Romania submitted a business plan covering the period 2025–2032 and a report on the 'private investor test' conducted in connection with the planned capital increase. The Commission evaluated these documents. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules and found that Romania's recapitalisation of Exim Banca Romaneasca does not constitute State aid. EU State aid rules specify that if a Member State acts as a private investor would and is compensated for the risk in a way acceptable to a prudent private investor, the intervention does not constitute State aid. The Commission's assessment of Romania's business plan for Exim Banca Romaneasca showed that the €250 million capital injection would provide returns consistent with market conditions for the Romanian State, which is Exim Banca Romaneasca's majority shareholder. The business plan forecasts an increased market share in lending and deposits, improved efficiency, and robust capital levels. The non-confidential version of this decision will be made available under the case number SA.115897 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
The Romanian Ministry of Finance announced the sixth edition of the Fidelis government bond program for 2025, which will run from July 4 to July 11. This edition introduces a key novelty: for the first time, blood donors will be able to purchase bonds not only in local currency RON but also in euro. The […]
At the meeting held Monday, June 30, the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT), chaired by president Nicușor Dan, identified tax evasion as a major threat to the country's economic security. Moreover, the session addressed other topics of interest, such as Romania's military participation in international missions, developments in Ukraine, cyber threats, and infrastructure vulnerabilities […]
A new CURS poll published on Sunday, June 29, shows that if local elections were held in Bucharest next Sunday, reformist party USR would obtain 27%, followed by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 22%, and far-right party Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) with 18%. The National Liberal Party (PNL) comes in fourth, […]
Last week, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Bucharest indicted three individuals for an EUR 100 million fraud in a case involving both EU and national funds. Among those indicted is an Italian citizen, alleged to be the leader of the group, which operated between 2019 and 2024. The suspect was detained on February […]
The number of building permits for residential buildings increased by 0.6% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with 14,134 such permits issued, according to data published Monday by the National Institute of Statistics. Increases were recorded in the Western region (+166 permits), Center (+70), North-West (+68), South-East […]
Cluj-Napoca, a major city in Romania’s Transylvania region, is taking a step toward becoming a more animal-friendly city, as a new proposal allowing pets in public institutions has been opened for public debate. Mayor Emil Boc announced the initiative, stating, “A city that is friendly to animals is a better city for people.” The draft […]
