Stories from Romania

Siemens Mobility has delivered its first hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H trains to Romania. CFR Călători is extending services on major Romanian routes starting April 15. New Alstom Coradia Stream electric trains will operate on the Bucharest Nord to Brasov line. Starting June 1, the service will also extend to the Bucharest Nord to Cluj-Napoca route. The new trains feature passenger information systems including audio and dynamic displays.

The Metro-Rex company in Bucharest may delay the application of new fares by 60 days. The Ministry of Transport has put the project into public consultation. During this period, the company must analyze the economic, social, and urban mobility impacts of the changes.

Romania's budget deficit decreased by more than half in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Budgetary expenditures were reduced by almost 3 percent. Political instability is reportedly hindering further progress, according to the Ministry of Finance figures. Road traffic fatalities in Romania decreased by 9% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2026. The number of seriously injured individuals also saw a 1% reduction. Police issued significantly more traffic violation fines during this period. The total negative balance for the period is 223 deaths, 546 injuries, and nearly 670 road traffic incidents. Unadjusted or unregulated speed is the second leading cause of serious road events. Romania aims to reduce its budget deficit to below 3% in the coming years.

Italian fiscal policy must address the energy crisis impact on families and businesses, according to Radio Romania Intl. The bank noted that mortgage credits and loans to families and businesses are expected to decrease this quarter.

Tanțăș Barna met with the NSVSEA president and vice-president to propose solutions for protecting domestic Romanian auto producers. Barna noted that pig farming continues to affect farms and called for more efficient authority intervention. He also highlighted economic chain blockages where Romanian piglet production is no longer being taken up by fattening farms. These issues are reportedly amplified by dissatisfaction regarding subsidies. The Vice President of Romania intends to propose solutions to protect local producers. Interim Agriculture Minister Tancuș Barna stated that measures will be taken to support local producers in Romania. He noted that regulatory documents are currently in the approval circuit. Barna also highlighted issues in the livestock sector, specifically regarding the pork market.

Rheinmetall, a German company, will collaborate with a Romanian firm to produce 232 infantry fighting vehicles in Medias. The production is funded through the SAFE program, which includes eight technical solutions designed to counter drones.

The Constanța Maritime Ports Administration and the Port of Ploče authority in Croatia signed a memorandum of understanding in Dubrovnik. The agreement aims to consolidate regional connectivity and strengthen the role of the Port of Constanța as a strategic hub in the Black Sea. This partnership is intended to facilitate integration into European transport corridors and international markets. The signing took place in the presence of President Nicușordan. The agreement involves several national development banks in the region. The Romanian Investment and Development Bank is prepared to contribute capital to this new financial instrument. The instrument will target investments in energy, sustainability, transport, infrastructure, digital, and social sectors. A business forum for the Three Seas Initiative is scheduled for tomorrow in Dubrovnik.

Several hundred employees of Naval Mangalia protested in the center of the municipality today. Employment contracts will be reviewed in the coming period, according to the report. A delegation from the Ministry of Economy is expected in Mangalia this Thursday to discuss the company's potential bankruptcy. Two potential investors may attempt to acquire all assets and the workforce. Workers are hoping for state intervention to prevent the shipyard from closing. The company is expected to undergo a procedure involving the sale of all assets before being dissolved and removed from the trade register. Workers expressed concern regarding job security and the ability to support their families. Laurenciu Gobiagel, leader of the Navalist union representing Damian and Piers Mangariesa, is calling for the preservation of the workforce following a bankruptcy ruling.

Interim Transport Minister Radu Miruță has placed a project for metro ticket price increases under public consultation. The government is currently analyzing various reaction schemes to address fuel costs. Consumers are expressing concern that rising diesel prices will trigger broader price increases across the entire supply chain due to transport dependencies. Housing market data shows clear polarization in Romania, with prices in Cluj and Bucharest exceeding 2,600 to 3,000 euros per square meter. In contrast, homes in less developed areas around Constanta or Iasi can be found at half that price or less. The price gap is primarily driven by differences in infrastructure. Interim Transport Minister Radu Miruta signed an order on Wednesday to suspend a metro ticket price increase for 60 days. The Romanian Ministry of Finance proposed two legislative projects during a government meeting.

Romania has allocated funds through the SAFE program to revitalize national industry companies. The initiative includes entities such as Automecantica Mediaș, Turbomecantica, and Electromecantica. The source noted that such revitalization cannot be achieved in a single step. The Romanian Ministry of Finance is supporting local investments with 12 billion RON to finalize European Union projects. The Romanian government plans to adopt two ordinances during Monday's cabinet meeting. These ordinances will provide 2 billion lei to allow local authorities to co-finance surgical infrastructure projects. The goal is to ensure these projects are finalized by August 6. The funding will be made available through the treasury rather than private markets.