Romanians' incomes surge over 15 years but remain below EU average, study finds

Romanians have seen the fastest growth in median real incomes in the European Union over the past 15 years, according to a new analysis by Social Monitor, a project of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Romania. However, despite the sharp increase, income levels in Romania remain below the EU average, while income inequality continues to be relatively high compared with other member states.

Between 2010 and 2025, median real incomes across the European Union increased by an average of 25%. During the same period, Romania posted a 160% increase, the highest growth rate among EU member states, based on Eurostat data processed by Social Monitor.