The unemployment rate in Romania reached 6.4% in May 2026, exceeding IMF estimates. The number of unemployed increased by 10,000 compared to April.

The National Institute of Statistics announced that the unemployment rate in Romania rose to 6.4% in May 2026, 0.1 percentage points higher than in April, exceeding the International Monetary Fund's estimate of 6% for the entire year. The total number of unemployed reached 522,100, 10,000 more than in the previous month and over 15,000 more than last year. This increase has been gradual, without an identifiable shock, and coincides with a recession officially recognized by the INS.

The unemployment rate has steadily increased over the last three years, and in 2026 it reached unusual levels for the Romanian economy. Additionally, wages have decreased, and young people are the most affected, with an unemployment rate of 28.8% among those aged 15 to 24. Romania is facing a major issue with NEET youth, and spending on education is the lowest in the EU. Currently, the economy is undergoing a fiscal adjustment, and the recovery prospects remain concerning.