The number of vacant jobs in Romania decreased to 26,500 in the second quarter of 2026, 4,900 fewer than last year.

In the second quarter of 2026, the number of vacant jobs in Romania reached 26,500, a decrease of 1,800 compared to the previous quarter and 4,900 compared to the same period last year, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS).

The vacancy rate decreased to 0.52%, indicating a reduction in labor demand. The highest vacancy rates were recorded in the energy sector, at 1.41%, followed by financial intermediation and insurance (1.03%) and transport (0.94%). The manufacturing industry had the most vacant positions, with 5,600 jobs. The public administration recorded the largest declines, with 1,300 vacant positions lost. Specialists in various fields had the highest vacancy rate, at 0.59%, and compared to last year, all occupational groups recorded decreases in the number of vacant positions. The data suggests a contraction of the labor market in Romania.