This performance ranked Romania 11th in Europe by number of projects and 12th by jobs created, standing in sharp contrast to the 7% decline in FDI projects across Europe.
A key sign of investor confidence was the growth of expansion investments, which accounted for 55% of all projects, doubling their share compared to the previous year.
Existing Investors Drive Growth
The report shows that Romania’s positive momentum in 2025 was largely driven by companies already operating in the country. After validating local conditions—including workforce quality, operating costs, and the business environment—many chose to expand their existing operations.
The investment structure also reflects a balanced profile. Industrial sectors such as Machinery and Equipment remain dominant, alongside digital industries including Software and IT Services. Growing investment in transportation and logistics further highlights Romania’s increasingly important role within European supply chains.
Investor Sentiment Remains Positive but More Cautious
Looking ahead, investor sentiment remains favorable, though more reserved than in previous years.
According to the survey, 52% of respondents expect Romania’s attractiveness to improve, but only 5% foresee a significant improvement. Meanwhile, 41% of companies plan new investments or expansions, a lower share than in recent years.
The survey also found that 34% of investors postponed, reduced, or canceled investment plans during the past year, signaling a shift toward a more selective investment climate where predictability plays a crucial role.
Strong Fundamentals, but Execution Challenges Remain
Romania continues to be viewed positively due to several competitive advantages:
– Availability and quality of the workforce
– Competitive tax environment
– Low operating costs
– Strategic geographic location
However, investors are paying increasing attention to factors such as:
– Macroeconomic and political stability
– Infrastructure development
– Regulatory complexity
– Access to financing and energy costs
These issues represent the country’s primary challenge: converting its potential into concrete investment projects.
Artificial Intelligence Emerges as a New Opportunity
The study also highlights the growing role of technology in investment decisions.
More than half of respondents (53%) believe that artificial intelligence has contributed positively to Romania’s attractiveness. However, 39% consider the country less competitive than other global markets in this field.
To become a significant AI investment hub, Romania will need to accelerate the development of:
– Technology infrastructure
– Advanced digital skills
– Access to capital for innovative companies
– Modern regulatory frameworks
EY: Investors Seek Credibility and Predictability
“Romania’s 2025 results show that the country can deliver strong performance even in a difficult European environment, and that existing investors have confidence in expanding their operations,” said Bogdan Ion, Country Managing Partner at EY Romania.
“At the same time, the message for 2026 is more nuanced: capital is becoming more selective, and investment decisions increasingly depend on predictability, coherent public policies, and execution capacity. Romania still benefits from strong advantages—talent, competitive costs, and strategic positioning—but the next stage is no longer about potential. It is about our ability to deliver on expectations. Investors are not looking for perfect markets; they are looking for credible markets where the direction is clear and implementation is consistent.”
A New Phase for Romania’s Investment Story
Romania is entering a new stage of its investment cycle with solid results and a strengthening investment profile, but also with higher expectations from investors.
Maintaining competitiveness will depend on the country’s ability to transform its structural advantages into tangible outcomes: completed infrastructure projects, simplified regulations, predictable policies, and an economy prepared to attract technology-driven and sustainable investments.