Romania

Investment & 
Operational
Climate

In January 2022, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) opened accession discussions with Romania. The OECD technical review process, a multi-year assessment of Romania’s candidacy against OECD standards and policies in areas such as the investment climate, governance, and environmental protection, began on December 15, 2022. As an EU member state, Romania’s climate objectives align with EU strategies, including the 2030 Agenda and the European Green Deal. However, legacy environmental issues limit Romania’s ability to deliver on biodiversity and clean air goals. Environmental challenges include poor air quality, inadequate waste management practices, and insufficient protective measures for natural areas. Illegal logging remains a concern despite progress towards improved traceability of extracted wood. The investment climate in Romania remains a mixed picture, and potential investors should undertake due diligence when considering any investment. The European Commission’s 2022 European Semester Country Report for Romania noted that excessive red tape, inefficient public administration, and an unpredictable legislative framework were detrimental to the business environment and limited investment opportunities.