Romania Net Investment Hits 100.5 Billion Lei in 2026

The National Institute of Statistics and Geography reported that net investment in the Romanian economy reached 100.5 billion lei, or approximately 20 billion euros, during the first half of 2026. This represents a real-term increase of nearly 12% compared to the same period in 2025. Growth accelerated in the second quarter of 2026, with net investment rising 17.8% in real terms, driven by new construction, transport equipment, and machinery.

This investment surge provided critical support to an economy that otherwise contracted by 0.4% in the second quarter due to declines in consumption, industry, and trade. The construction sector showed significant growth, with 31,958 housing units completed in the first six months of 2026, a 30% increase over the 24,609 units completed during the first half of 2025.

Labor market data showed a slight improvement, as the employment rate for the working-age population aged 15 to 64 rose to 62.7% in the second quarter, a 0.1 percentage point increase over the first quarter. Acting Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare stated that the government intends to shift the economy away from debt-fueled consumption toward growth based on investment and real incomes, noting that annual inflation dropped to 6.2% in August.