Mugur Isărescu declared that Romania could start discussions for joining the eurozone in five years, if the budget deficit falls below 3%.

Mugur Isărescu, the governor of the National Bank of Romania, stated that Romania could start discussions for joining the eurozone in about five years, provided that the budget deficit is reduced to below 3% and the economy maintains sustainable growth. He emphasized that the budget deficit is a structural problem, accumulated over time and not the responsibility of a single government. Isărescu highlighted that the underfunding of essential sectors, such as health and education, contributes to public debt.

He also mentioned that, alongside reducing the deficit, a faster economic growth than the deficit is necessary to reach a favorable situation. Criticizing comparisons with Bulgaria, Isărescu pointed out that Romania is in a similar situation to other economies in the region that have not adopted the euro. He reaffirmed the BNR's support for joining the eurozone, mentioning that the institution had plans for preparing the transition to the euro, but these were abandoned due to the pandemic and regional conflicts.