Concordia calls on the Government to eliminate IMCA in 2027 and set a firm deadline for VAT refunds

The Concordia Employers’ Confederation is calling on the Government to eliminate the minimum turnover tax (IMCA) as of January 1, 2027, with no delays and no replacement measure. Employers are also requesting a firm deadline to accelerate VAT refunds, a measure included in the governing program.

Concordia representatives presented the new cabinet’s Prime Minister Luca Niculescu and ministers with a set of proposals to relaunch the economy on Monday, amid limited fiscal space for the state. Employers argue that mobilizing Romanian capital, together with the use of European funds, is one of the most effective solutions for investment and growth.

The confederation welcomes the inclusion of several requests in the governing program but warns that they do not yet have a budget, an implementation deadline, or political ownership. Concordia believes the Government’s first test will be drafting the 2027 budget and calls for social partners to be consulted before its adoption, as well as impact assessments for measures affecting companies.

The proposals include loans and guarantees through the Development and Investment Bank, Pillar II investments in Romanian companies and projects, energy at predictable costs, and a more liquid “forward” market. Employers are also calling for a more flexible labor market, support for exporters, and a permanent Government-confederations working group focused on competitiveness and simplification.