Romanian Finance Minister Sets Three Priorities for 2026 Budget Closure and 2027 Planning

Romania's Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare has identified three major priorities for closing the 2026 budget and drafting the 2027 budget: European Union funds, financing through the SAFE instrument, and continuing the reduction of the budget deficit.

Nazare discussed these issues in Brussels with Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for Economy, Productivity, Implementation and Simplification. The two officials met during the ECOFIN Council meeting and the Eurogroup meeting in inclusive format.

“The discussion was constructive, including regarding the credibility of Romania's inclusion in the programmed deficit target for this year.”

According to Nazare, collecting EU funds linked to the national recovery and resilience plan is essential for financing investments and meeting the deficit target. In the coming weeks, priority will be given to finalizing the evaluation of payment requests number 5 and number 6 and maximizing available European financing.

The minister said Romania has mobilized significant budget resources for recovery plan investments, including payments already made. He stressed that the state must ensure collection of programmed European funds based on fulfilled and validated milestones and targets.

Nazare warned that any uncollected European sum for which the state has already incurred expenses creates additional pressure on budget resources and financing needs. He called for all ministries and institutions responsible to mobilize in support of coordinated efforts led by colleagues from the Ministry of European Investments and Projects.

Responses to European Commission clarification requests must be complete, documented and submitted on time, Nazare emphasized. He also noted that progress in fiscal-budgetary consolidation is important but must be supported by consistency, financial discipline and careful risk management in the final months of the year.

The minister described his discussion with Dombrovskis as constructive, including regarding Romania's credibility in meeting the programmed deficit target for this year.