The Romanian banks hold in their portfolio Government papers (bonds and bills) worth 7% of GDP, the highest amount in Europe, and this might bring them significant losses if the interest rates are rising and the yield curve flattens, according to Florian Neagu, deputy head of the macrostability division of the National bank of Romania (BNR), quoted by Economica.net. The losses potentially incurred by banks under adverse scenarios may reach 17.6% of the portfolio of assets and liabilities sensitive to interest rates, he explained. The banking system’s profitability is high, and the solvency ratio is strong, he said, adding that all these can deteriorate under certain circumstances. In fact, the Romanian banks’ profitability (13% return on equity versus 7.6% in EU) is above the EU average, and above the profitability in the real sector, the BNR official stated. The solvency ratio (22% versus 17.1% in the EU) is also above average, and the non-performing loans ratio is still small (3.7%) even if above the EU average (2.5%). However, the solvency ratio can lose 2pp from distributing dividends, another 2pp when building up provisions next year. The losses generated by adverse developments of the interests and yield curve would come on top of these two effects.
East Grain Group and Poultry Investment SA have acquired the 45% stake previously held by UBM Group in UBM Feed Romania, thus becoming equal shareholders in one of Romania's largest feed producers, which will now operate under the brand Protena. East Grain is controlled by Czech agri-food group Agrofert, one of the largest agribusiness groups […]
The Foreign Investors Council (FIC) has appointed Ruxandra Băndilă as its executive director. Băndilă will coordinate FIC's activity and "will contribute to strengthening the dialogue with authorities, consolidating the organization's positioning as a reliable partner in promoting a stable and predictable business environment, as well as supporting Romania's becoming a competitive and attractive destination for […]
Romania’s European projects and investments minister, Dragoș Pîslaru, announced that he will notify the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) regarding the purchase of electric minibuses for students with EU funds. The minister said that “multiple dysfunctions” were noted in how the EU funds were used in the project. Aside from notifying the EPPO, the minister […]
Only about 44% of employees in Romania say they have used AI in the past year, while the average usage rate in the 48 countries included in the report was 57%, according to the PwC Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2025 report. India and Vietnam are at the top, with 84%, followed by China (78%). […]
A new four-star hotel is set to rise next to Bucharest’s Henri Coandă International Airport, following a EUR 45.5 million investment announced by real estate developer D. GROUP. The Wyndham Garden Bucharest Airport Hotel, scheduled to open in July 2027, will introduce the Wyndham Garden brand to Romania for the first time. Located 150 metres […]
Romania ranks 3rd in a European heatwave vulnerability ranking and will experience 3 heatwave events annually, lasting 17 cumulative days with average temperatures of 36.82°C, placing it ahead of all Mediterranean countries, according to new research from climate system experts at Reinders Corporation. The study analysed climate modelling data, heatwave frequency, and average temperatures across […]
