Romania, closer to the OECD
If it maintains its pace of implementing the necessary reforms, Romania could join the 38 members of the OECD next year
Daniela Budu, 16.09.2025, 13:50
“For Romania, joining the OECD is a strategic goal,” President Nicușor Dan said on Monday after meeting in Bucharest with Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. According to the head of state, accession “is the strongest international recognition that we live in a developed country, and the experience of other states shows that accession has been followed by significant economic progress,” he wrote on social media. The president also believes that accession “will make us more competitive in attracting foreign investment and will increase the interest of institutional investors.” Nicușor Dan also said that the process is progressing very well and that, if we maintain this pace, Romania will join the organization next year. “The OECD is the organization that brings together the most developed economies and the most consolidated democracies in the world,” said the president.
During the meeting with the organization’s secretary-general, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan also gave assurances that “Romania will do everything” to join the OECD. “After becoming members of NATO and the European Union, joining the OECD remains a key objective. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development will be another anchor for the modernization of our country and for strengthening its status among consolidated democracies,” said Ilie Bolojan. He told the Secretary-General of the OECD that, three years after receiving the roadmap, Romania is getting closer and closer to achieving this goal.
The enlargement of the OECD is a priority, said Mathias Cormann, as the aim is to extend standards and best practices. “New members bring new perspectives and experiences in terms of policies and, we hope, contribute to strengthening the relevance and impact of our work. Romania plays an important role in the region, in Eastern Europe,” the official pointed out. He stressed that Romania has made “excellent progress” in implementing the required reforms and has entered the final stage of technical evaluation. According to him, 15 of the 25 evaluation committees have already issued favourable conclusions for our country, and he gave assurances that accession will bring tangible benefits to Bucharest, from strengthening good governance and investor confidence to raising living standards. Mathias Cormann announced that the economic analysis of Romania will be launched in March 2026 in Bucharest, as the final step in the accession process.
It should also be noted that OECD membership would be a strong indicator of confidence for Romania’s partners, with positive consequences in terms of stimulating capital flows and foreign direct investment in the country. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest, an extension of trust will also translate into an increase in the country’s rating, which is of major importance for accessing international financial markets. In addition, OECD membership will support the development of Romania’s capital market and consolidate its status as an emerging market, as well as the possibility of connecting Romania to markets outside Europe. (MI)
