Romania

A collection of 194 posts

CEE markets plunge on Trump tariffs shock

Stock markets in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) fell sharply after US President Donald Trump announced retaliatory tariffs on global imports on 2 April 2025, spooking the region's export-dependent economies and reviving fears of a wider economic slowdown. CEE Stock Market Weekly Performance to 7 April 2025 Most

Far-right candidate leads in polls ahead of Romania presidential election rerun

Far-right candidate leads in polls ahead of Romania presidential election rerun

Romania will hold fresh presidential elections on 4 May, after its Constitutional Court annulled November's vote, citing Russian interference. However, the decision to disqualify nationalist frontrunner Calin Georgescu has seemingly propelled far-right leader George Simion into a commanding position, fuelling concerns about the direction of Romanian democracy. Generational

CEE startups outpace Western Europe rivals

CEE startups outpace Western Europe rivals

Startups in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are growing faster than in Western Europe and the CEE startup ecosystem is now worth EUR 243bn, according to the CEE Startups 2025 report. While funding and valuations have surged in recent years, structural challenges remain, including geographic fragmentation, uneven investor coverage, and

Gender pay gaps remain in CEE, despite EU efforts

Gender pay gaps remain in CEE, despite EU efforts

Romania and Poland have gender pay disparities among the lowest in the EU, according to Eurostat data published this month. In Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Romania and Poland recorded the smallest gender pay gaps in 2023, at 3.6% and 4.5% respectively — both well below the EU average

Europe’s trilemma: rearmament, green transition, competitiveness

Europe’s trilemma: rearmament, green transition, competitiveness

European leaders met in Brussels on 20 March to confront a mounting policy dilemma: how to balance rearmament, the green transition, and economic competitiveness. The discussions come amid slowing growth, high energy costs, and growing strategic insecurity — all while EU fiscal rules remain in place. At the heart of the

Poland, Czechia back 'coalition of the willing', Hungary, Slovakia align with Trump

Poland, Czechia back 'coalition of the willing', Hungary, Slovakia align with Trump

As political landscapes shift across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), governments are recalibrating their approaches to Ukraine, European security, and internal governance. The region remains split between pro-European integration and nationalist, often pro-Kremlin, forces: Czechia and Poland reinforce their commitments to Ukraine, while Hungary and Slovakia align with Moscow. Meanwhile,

Poland leads CEE's rearmament charge, as Trump cools on NATO

Poland leads CEE's rearmament charge, as Trump cools on NATO

Poland is set to purchase an additional 180 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks for approximately USD 6.2bn (EUR 5.7bn), South Korean government officials announced on 9 March. The proposed agreement could be finalised as soon as next month and follows Poland’s earlier USD 12.4bn deal

Romania probes pro-Russian presidential candidate as six arrested for coup plot

Romania probes pro-Russian presidential candidate as six arrested for coup plot

Romanian authorities are investigating far-right, pro-Russian politician Calin Georgescu over allegations of working against the constitutional order, spreading misinformation and supporting extremist organisations. The probe follows the annulment of the 2024 presidential election in which Georgescu secured the most votes in the first round. The vote was invalidated over concerns

Trump's verbal attack on Zelenskyy prompts security rethink in CEE

Trump's verbal attack on Zelenskyy prompts security rethink in CEE

The dramatic breakdown of relations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance on Friday, 28 February, is prompting Central and Eastern European (CEE) nations to urgently reassess regional defence strategies. The meeting, streamed from the Oval Office, was ostensibly held to formalise

German firms keen to relocate to CEE in 2025 - KPMG report finds

German firms keen to relocate to CEE in 2025 - KPMG report finds

German companies are considering ramping up investments in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with 55% expecting the region’s economic significance to grow in the next 5 years, according to the “German CEE Business Outlook 2025” report by auditor KPMG. The survey analysed the economic prospects and business strategies of

EU unveils strategy to compete with China, US

EU unveils strategy to compete with China, US

The European Commission (EC) unveiled its flagship “Competitiveness Compass” initiative on 29 January, the first major project of its 2024-29 term. The initiative is designed to serve as a strategic roadmap to foster innovation in sectors such as AI, semiconductors, quantum tech and biotechnology in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)

Czechia stars on Deloitte CEE Tech 'Fast 50'

Czechia stars on Deloitte CEE Tech 'Fast 50'

Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is emerging as a hub for innovation and growth with the achievements of its fastest-growing technology companies, according to the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe 2024 report. The global auditor’s annual report, now in its 25th year, ranks the 50 fastest-growing public or

As EU probes TikTok, precedent-setting Romania announces date for election rerun

As EU probes TikTok, precedent-setting Romania announces date for election rerun

Romania’s government has approved a repeat presidential election in May after institutional chaos and controversy saw the ballot in November annulled. The rerun vote is scheduled for 4 May and – if no candidate secures a simple majority – another will be held on 18 May. Romania’s Constitutional Court on

What Trump presidency means for CEE

What Trump presidency means for CEE

US President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Monday, 20 January, broke with tradition and extended invitations to political leaders. However, footage of former Poland prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki attempting to cross a barricade into the ceremony site by showing US National Guard members his Wikipedia page, which went viral