With the new Government taking office, the Foreign Investors Council (FIC) reiterates that fiscal consolidation and measures to strengthen economic growth and competitiveness should advance together.
The governing programme reflects several recent FIC recommendations aimed at strengthening Romania’s competitiveness and its ability to attract foreign direct investment. These include fiscal predictability, growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, strategic investment, a competitive energy market, regulatory simplification and the digitalisation of public administration. Together, these priorities demonstrate the need to restore Romania’s ability to attract capital while maintaining sound public finances.
Ruxandra Băndilă, FIC Executive Director, said: “Romania should not have to choose between fiscal consolidation and economic growth. It needs both. For companies and investors, macroeconomic stability, predictable rules and the Government’s capacity to implement reforms are part of the same equation. We see encouraging convergence between several directions included in the governing programme and priorities FIC has consistently advocated. The real test, however, will be implementation. FIC stands ready to be a constructive partner in enhancing Romania’s competitiveness and attractiveness for FDI, and our members are ready to contribute their expertise and international experience to this process.”
FIC highlights three tax-policy commitments in the governing programme that are key to investor confidence. Maintaining the flat tax and confirming the removal of the minimum turnover tax (IMCA) from January 1, 2027, would ensure tax stability, while establishing a fiscal calendar and setting a minimum notice period before measures affecting companies take effect would strengthen predictability. Delivered as announced, these commitments can provide the certainty required for long-term investment decisions.
Equally relevant for attracting strategic investment are the proposed measures to expand the role of the Romanian Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (ARICE) as a single point of contact for investors, accelerate the authorisation of major projects and make more efficient use of European funds and private capital.
In the energy sector, lasting industrial competitiveness will depend on coordinated progress across generation, storage, networks and interconnections, backed by clear market rules and practices. In public administration, the digitalisation of public services, interoperability and risk-based tax administration can ease the burden on compliant taxpayers and strengthen the relationship between the state and the private sector.
FIC emphasises that the next stage must be about implementation and measurable results. Each major economic priority should have a clearly designated institutional owner, a deadline, performance indicators and regular public reporting. This accountability framework reflects both FIC members’ recommendations and the Government’s own commitment to results-based policy evaluation, so that policies translate into concrete projects, jobs and added value for the country.
OECD accession remains an important target for Romania, and the new Government should accelerate the process, strengthening the country’s investment profile and supporting its long-term access to capital.
FIC also proposes launching a national euro adoption project, bringing together the Government, the National Bank of Romania and other key stakeholders, with a clear mandate for technical and institutional coordination. Within 12 months, the project should deliver a national roadmap with annual milestones for sustainable fiscal consolidation, lower inflation, and structural and legal convergence.