U.S. State Department: Corruption Remains a Challenge for Investment in Romania

Romania maintains a largely open regime for foreign investment, but corruption, legislative unpredictability and difficulties in the justice system are affecting the business climate, according to the U.S. State Department’s report on Romania’s investment climate.

The document highlights the country’s strategic position, membership in the EU and NATO, educated workforce, competitive wages and natural resources—factors that make Romania attractive to companies interested in markets in Europe, the Caucasus and the Near East.

However, the report warns that the fight against corruption has been weakened by several judicial decisions. The Constitutional Court’s 2022 decision on the statute of limitations led to the annulment of 9,635 indictments and convictions between 2022 and 2025. In 2025, the High Court limited the authority of DGA officers in investigations involving individuals outside the Ministry of Internal Affairs, while another Constitutional Court ruling reduced the powers of ANI.

Investors report corruption in customs services, local government and financial authorities. According to the 2025 Eurobarometer, 90% of Romanian businesspeople consider corruption to be widespread. The report also points to inconsistent enforcement of legislation, courts with limited commercial expertise and frequent changes in the energy sector.