The Week in Review – September 7-13

A look at the main stories in Romania this passed week

Daniela Budu, 12.09.2026, 14:00

CSAT in Bucharest
On Monday Bucharest saw a fresh session of the country’s Higher Defence Council (CSAT), headed by President Nicusor Dan. The Council approved the equipment procurement plan for the following 10 years, as Romania had pledged together with other allies to raise its budget allotment to 5% of the GDP. During the aforementioned CSAT session, an assessment document for the implementation of the European SAFE programme was approved. As for the presence of the US troops and equipment in Romania, the CSAT members believe that the measures concerning the consolidation of the US posture in Romania represent a strategic investment in Romania’s security and an essential factor for the defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank and the entire euroatlantic space. In another development Romania’s President, Nicusor Dan, on Thursday received the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib. The head of the Romanian state reiterated Romania’s strong commitment to consolidating the EU’s resilience and response capabilities in a security environment increasingly complex.
The European official handed over to the president a letter of gratitude and congratulations for the way in which Bucharest got involved in the evacuation of children and civilians caught in conflicts and crises situations in the Middle East.

A Law on Hydropower Plants in protected areas
The President of Romania has promulgated a law, which allows the modification of protected areas for hydroelectric projects approved or initiated prior to June 29, 2007. The head of state had previously challenged this law at the Constitutional Court, arguing that it violates the fundamental right to a healthy environment, contravenes European directives on habitat protection, and eliminates environmental assessments and compensatory measures mandated by the European Union. However, the Constitutional Court rejected the President’s challenge, and Parliament also rejected the request to re-examine the law. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Deputies unanimously adopted new European security measures to combat drug trafficking. The EU action plan for the next five years focuses primarily on early prevention and external border control. For Romania, the top priority is now combating smuggling networks operating out of the Port of Constanța on the Black Sea and along the country’s land borders.

Four months of a government with limited power
Since the beginning of May, Romania has been operating under an interim government with limited executive powers. President Nicușor Dan is expected to designate a candidate for the office of Prime Minister; however, although two weeks have passed since the start of the legislative session, negotiations between parliamentary parties have failed to yield a majority capable of supporting a new government. The head of state has repeatedly announced that he will designate a Prime Minister who commands a stable majority in Parliament. Under these circumstances, the President is also considering the possibility of nominating a technocrat for the premiership—someone who could secure a comfortable majority. It is worth noting that two previous prime ministerial nominations made by the President have failed. Data from an INSCOP poll indicate that nearly two-thirds of Romanians believe it is important for the parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible to form a government with full powers, even if it requires compromises from all sides. Only 14% believe that extending the interim government arrangement would have positive consequences for the country.

Romania and investment
Acting Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to continuing the fiscal consolidation process and reducing risks associated with public finances during a meeting in Bucharest with a delegation of investors from international financial institutions and foreign-owned companies. According to a government statement, company representatives commended the measures adopted by the Executive over the past year to reduce the budget deficit and control public spending, noting that the results achieved have helped maintain investor confidence in the Romanian economy. However, they emphasized that “the results achieved so far must be consolidated and that the predictability of economic and fiscal policies is essential for medium- and long-term investment decisions.” Meanwhile, figures published on Monday by the National Institute of Statistics show that Romania’s economy stagnated in the second quarter compared to the first three months of the year, while GDP saw a slight decline compared to the same period in 2025. Experts warn that the economic engine is unbalanced—while investments have surged, household consumption has dropped sharply.

A new school year kicks off in Romania
“Education is the key that opens the door to this world for you,” Acting Minister of Education Mihai Dimian told the students who began a new school year on Monday. He also reminded his fellow educators and teaching staff that they bear a “great responsibility—the destiny of these children.” Meanwhile, education union leaders are sounding the alarm, stating that the school year is starting with major issues: teachers who do not know if they will be able to fulfill their required teaching load, and a large number of unqualified teachers currently in the classroom. The fact that Romania’s education system is facing problems is also evidenced by the PISA 2025 results published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). For Romania, these are the weakest results in two decades, indicating an overall decline in competencies. According to the assessments, approximately half of Romanian 15-year-olds fail to reach the baseline proficiency level in either Mathematics or Reading. In Science, the proportion of students falling below the minimum threshold is nearly 46%.

(bill)