Romania's economy will grow by 4% this year, and the growth will slow down to 3.5% in 2023 as the central bank will have to rise the refinancing rate to 7% by the end of this year (versus the 8%-9% ideal rate of the refinancing rate), according to a research report published by OTP Bank Romania. The fiscal consolidation has stalled and will resume maybe next year, while the current account (CA) deficit may exceed expectations this year amid high energy prices and slower fiscal consolidation, the report reads, concluding that the twin deficit issue remains relevant. "In a regional context, the comparison suggests a more optimistic average growth performance for Romania. Although, for next year, the prediction is pessimistic, with a lower expected result. At the moment, all areas are affected, given inflation - trade, real income, interest rates or fiscal consolidation, which has stalled at this time. [...] The positive outlook is also complemented by the fact that Romania is expected to receive European funds of about 3.5% of GDP annually in this forecast horizon," OTP Bank analysts argue, quoted by Bankingnews.ro. "Under the baseline scenario, inflation could peak in June at a level slightly below 15%, but in the period to come, the decline will be slow, and we should be prepared not to see single-digit rates until March next year. Energy and food growth are now passing through to core inflation [...]. In addition, we can anticipate another increase in the price of energy for household use in April next year, when the current cap-and-subsidy scheme expires," the report reads. OTP Bank expects the National Bank of Romania to conduct more hawkish policy towards the end of the year, yet along the line of moderation followed so far. "The current level of the key policy rate, of 3.75%, still lags very much behind the evolutions of the inflation and the risk premium for the Romanian assets and it is very likely to see it increasing to 7.0% by the end of the year, while the market suggests a level of 8-9%," according to bank analysts' expectations.
FIRST, a new Romanian-developed digital real estate platform, launched on the local market with a technology-driven system that, the company says, is designed to help users make faster, more informed property decisions. Available as of this autumn, the platform uses updated data, advanced search filters, and lifestyle-based presentation tools to give buyers and renters clearer […]
Cargus, the first courier company on the Romanian market, is expanding its Ship & Go out-of-home delivery network through a new partnership with Carrefour, adding nearly 450 pick-up and drop-off points inside the retailer’s stores. More than 150 Carrefour hypermarkets, supermarkets, and Express locations will join the network by the end of this year, with […]
Romania’s national railway operator, CFR Călători, will introduce its new 2025–2026 timetable on December 14, adding direct Budapest–Bucharest services and restoring the Vienna Westbahnhof connection as part of a broader update to international and domestic rail operations. The new schedule, valid until December 12, 2026, includes more than 1,150 daily trains. ...
The average price per square meter requested by real estate developers and owners for residential units in Romania increased by 15% in 2025, with the highest rise seen in Craiova, according to a survey conducted by Imobiliare.ro, as reported by Profit.ro. ...
Authorities in Prahova County announced on Monday the full resumption of water supply in all 13 towns and communes that had been left without drinking water for more than a week due to problems at the Paltinu Dam, Bursa.ro reported. Residents, however, have been warned that the water is not yet safe for consumption...
Chances are slim for the Social Democratic Party (PSD) to pull out of the ruling coalition this year, maybe only if something extraordinary happens, according to a leading member of the party consulted by Hotnews.ro. The party is again exploring options after its...
