Investment, on the rise
Direct investment in the Romanian economy has increased, according to the National Institute of Statistics.
Ştefan Stoica, 15.09.2026, 13:50
In Romania, inflation is falling, but it still ranks among the highest in Europe, while the pace of decline in the indicator is being slowed by fuel and services prices. The economy is stagnating, if not actually contracting slightly. Against this backdrop, data on investment from the National Institute of Statistics is giving specialists some reason for optimism. According to the National Institute of Statistics, net investment in the national economy totalled 100.5 billion lei in the first half of 2026, equivalent to around 20 billion euros. In real terms, investment therefore increased by almost 12% compared with the first half of 2025.
In the second quarter of this year, compared with the second quarter of 2025, net investment in the national economy increased by 17.8% in real terms, as a result of increases in the following components: new construction works and machinery, including transport equipment. The National Institute of Statistics states that net investment represents expenditure aimed at creating new fixed assets, developing, modernising and reconstructing existing ones, as well as the value of services related to the transfer of ownership of existing fixed assets and land purchased from other units or from the population, including notary fees, commissions, transport and handling costs.
As Romania’s economy contracted by 0.4% in the second quarter, in unadjusted terms, compared with the same period in 2025, dragged down by consumption, industry and trade, investment and construction provided support and boosted economic activity. Construction is therefore a driving force behind the economy, and the National Institute of Statistics provides figures to prove it: the number of homes completed nationwide rose in the first six months of this year to approximately 32,000, compared with 24,600 in the same period of 2025. Most of the homes were completed in urban areas, accounting for around 60% of the total.
Acting Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare says the objective is for the economy to move away from growth driven by debt-fueled consumption towards growth based on investment and real incomes, in order to restore confidence among both people and companies. According to the minister, Romania is moving in the right direction, citing the figures as evidence: annual inflation fell to 6.2% in August, from 8.2% in July and more than 10% in June, marking the fastest deceleration seen in recent years; the budget deficit was 37% lower in the first seven months than in the same period of 2025; and public investment increased. He also warns, however, that inflation remains high and that the adjustment of public finances must continue. (EE)
