The number of unemployed people in Romania increased to 487,300 in October 2025, with an unemployment rate of 26.9% among young people.

According to recent data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the number of unemployed people in Romania reached 487,300 in October 2025, marking an increase of over 23,000 compared to the same period of the previous year. This situation has not been encountered since 2021, during the pandemic. The unemployment rate among young people (15-24 years) reached 26.9% in the period from July to September 2025, raising questions about the state of the labor market. BRD economists emphasize that the decrease in demand for labor and layoffs caused by automation contribute to this increase in unemployment.

Additionally, a report from the IMF shows that 21% of Romania's population works abroad, which affects the labor force participation rate, which is approximately 70%, the second lowest in the EU. This situation suggests the need for better-developed policies to improve participation and the quality of jobs in Romania.