Concordia: România intră în a doua parte a anului cu o economie oprită și cu o competitivitate tot mai fragilă

Romania's economy faces challenges as inflation decreases and the budget deficit is controlled, but growth remains stalled and competitiveness weakens. The first half of 2026 saw a 0.8% decline in GDP, exacerbated by internal fiscal policies and external shocks like the Middle East conflict, impacting consumer confidence and spending. Retail sales dropped significantly, and the labor market felt the slowdown, with rising unemployment and stagnant wage growth. While inflation has decreased to 8.2%, pressures from energy price controls persist. The analysis highlights the need for structural reforms to enhance economic resilience and competitiveness, as Romania's current account deficit remains the highest in the EU. The Confederation emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues to avoid long-term economic instability.