The financial rating agency Moody's Ratings confirmed on Friday Romania's rating at "Baa3" but changed the outlook associated with the rating to "negative" from "stable," according to a press release from Moody's.The decision to change the outlook to negative reflects the risk that, in the absence of additional fiscal consolidation measures, Romania's fiscal strength could significantly weaken in the coming years, the rating agency said.According to Moody's baseline scenario, Romania's fiscal deficit will remain at a high level in 2025, at 7.7% of GDP, and will improve only gradually thereafter, which will increase the government debt burden to 68.5% of GDP by 2028. In the absence of significant improvement in the fiscal outlook, there is a risk that Romania's credit profile could deteriorate significantly compared to that of other countries with a "Baa3" rating.According to the rating agency, the confirmation of the "Baa3" rating for Romania reflects the size and moderate growth potential of the economy. On the other hand, Romania's credit profile is constrained by its high vulnerability to a risk event, given its increased exposure to geopolitical risks due to its proximity to the war in Ukraine.Based on the policies announced so far by the government, Moody's forecasts that the fiscal deficit will decrease from the 8.7% of GDP level reached in 2024 but will remain high at 7.7% of GDP in 2025 and will improve only gradually thereafter. Combined with a downward revision of Romania's growth forecasts, this will quickly push up the government debt burden to 59.3% of GDP by the end of 2025, and to 62.7% of GDP by the end of 2026, up from 48.9% of GDP at the end of 2023.The rating agency specifies that the rating outlook could be returned to "stable" if the indicators related to the government debt burden and debt affordability deteriorate significantly less than the current estimates. However, most likely, this would require the adoption of additional fiscal consolidation measures and improvement in spending discipline.
More than 680 houses in Suceava country and 170 houses in Neamţ county were impacted in the flash floods that hit northeastern Romania at the end of last week. Forty-one houses were completely destroyed, Raed Arafat, the head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), announced on Friday, August 1. Three people were killed in […]
Romanian justice minister Radu Marinescu said on Thursday, July 31, that harsher penalties are being considered for violence against women and domestic violence, including the criminalization of femicide. The minister said that Romania currently has legislation that is fairly adequate, in line with European standards, for combating violence, including domestic violence. He also said that […]
Via Transilvanica, the long-distance trail that crosses the country, will apply to be the first accredited long-distance route in Romania after the government issued the methodological norms regulating the hiking trails of national interest. Tășuleasa Social, the non-profit that developed the trail, called the recently issued norms "a huge step that transforms a bold idea into...
Former prime minister and Social Democratic leader Marcel Ciolacu stated that he does not rule out a candidacy for the presidency of the Buzău County Council, after rumors to that end. PSD Buzău president Romeo Lungu had previously told journalists that discussions are underway for the former prime minister to run for the Buzău County […]
The Balneo-Physiotherapy Clinic in the Călimănești resort town, southern Romania, will undergo rehabilitation with a EUR 10 million financing from the European Union, according to representatives of the Vâlcea County Council. The project implementation period will be 24 months from the completion of the tender for the execution of the works, which include, in addition […]
Bringo, the first personal shopper-based rapid grocery delivery service in Romania, handling over 4,000 daily orders in more than 35 cities, launches a loyalty program that turns shopping into a continuous reward experience. "Beyond functional benefits like discounts, free delivery, or double refunds for SGR packaging collected right at your doorstep, Bringo YOU offers a […]
