Alexandru Nazare says that Romania must reduce the deficit and protect investments, infrastructure, and the economy

Romania must pursue deficit reduction and economic growth simultaneously, while protecting investment, infrastructure, defense, energy and economic connectivity, interim Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare said at the informal ECOFIN meeting on September 18 and 19, 2026.

The official argued that reducing the deficit is necessary not only to meet European targets, but also to limit borrowing, interest rates and the economy’s vulnerability. According to him, stricter fiscal discipline can increase Romania’s credibility and free up capital for companies.

Nazare called for reducing inefficient spending and improving the organization of major public services. He stressed that the state must provide better services for every leu spent and that the economy cannot be permanently required to provide more resources without a corresponding increase in the administration’s performance.

The minister said Romania needs a direction for the next decade: reducing twin deficits, mobilizing private capital and using investment to develop production capacity. During the meeting, European ministers also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy and society, together with representatives of the IMF, OECD and EIB.