CFA Romania expects no economic growth this year and weak advance of under 0.5% in 2026

CFA Society Romania expects the country's economy to stall this year with GDP growth around 0%, with risks on the downside, as recession risk persists. The GDP growth will hover around 0–0.5% next year, while the use of EU funds is key to resume economic growth at more relevant rates starting from 2027, according to the 'FY 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook' report.

The authors of the report, CFA Romania's vice-president Alexandra Smedoiu and president Adrian Codirlasu, expect the government to implement additional tax increases next year in its pursuit of fiscal consolidation, including a 1 percentage point (pp) increase in the standard VAT rate to 22%. The government may also further hike the excise duties, particularly for energy goods, after the increase operated by the government in August, along with the 2pp hike in the standard VAT rate to 21%.