18:24 1 September 2025
Romania catching up with Poland
Romania, like Poland, experienced rapid growth after the fall of communism and is now striving for more. In 2023, its GDP per capita (PPP) briefly surpassed Poland’s (€29,700 vs. €29,600), though overall GDP remains smaller ($383 bn vs. Poland’s $915 bn). Romania is a major producer of oil, gas, grain, and renewable energy, while trade with Poland is strong—over 1,700 Polish firms operate there. Despite strengths, challenges persist: weak infrastructure, corruption, low healthcare spending, and high road fatalities.
Economic growth has slowed sharply (0.8% in 2024), with high deficits prompting EU warnings and rating downgrades. Still, Romania’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and low costs sustain investor interest, making it a key regional player.
