More than half of Romanians (58 percent) are concerned about the country’s economic situation, and inflation remains a central concern for 1 in 5 respondents. These conclusions emerge from a study conducted by ING Group, in collaboration with IPSOS, conducted at European level in May-June 2025. The research analysed the main concerns of Romanians in the context of current economic changes, but also how new challenges on the labour market are perceived.

Geopolitical tensions have changed both Romanians’ priorities and their perception of the labour market. 1 in 2 Romanians (50 percent) believe that their personal financial situation is becoming more important, and 47 percent have more concerns related to the labour market.

Romanians, but also Europeans, are more attentive to the country of origin for the products they take off the shelf. Slightly more than half of Romanians (52 percent) prefer Romanian products over imported ones, even when they are more expensive. In addition, 42 percent say they choose products from the European Union over those from outside the EU. Only 35 percent remain neutral on this option.

In which areas would Romanians like to see more investment?

Romanians want the government to invest more in areas essential for long-term development, according to the study. The most favourable opinions are for increasing government spending on health (79 percent), education and research (75 percent), and infrastructure (69 percent).

At the same time, 56 percent of respondents believe that additional funds should be allocated to protect the environment and combat climate change, 48 percent support increasing defence spending, and 47 percent support increasing spending on subsidies related to housing and renovation.

Romanians’ attitudes towards defence investments are quite nuanced. Approximately half of respondents believe that investments in military companies are sustainable, and a similar percentage (52 percent) also consider them ethical in the current uncertain geopolitical context. When it comes to financing these defence expenditures, the majority (84 percent) prefer that the necessary funds be obtained by reducing other types of public spending, which are less relevant at present. Only 14 percent of Romanians support increasing taxes, and 9 percent support assuming other additional public debts to obtain the necessary funds.

Where does artificial intelligence stand in today’s public perception

Romanians are cautious about technological developments and their impact on the labour market. More than a third of respondents (37 percent) fear that artificial intelligence (AI) will lead to more job losses than it will create, while only 12 percent believe the opposite. At the same time, almost half (45 percent) expect AI to change their professional activity to some extent in the next 5 years, anticipating, in particular, support in faster delivery of results (39 percent), or in taking over repetitive tasks (34 percent).