Alexandru Nazare announces the priorities for the 2027 budget: European funds, SAFE, and deficit reduction

Romania must prepare a budget for 2027 that addresses economic and budgetary pressures without creating new imbalances, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare said in Brussels, where he is attending ECOFIN and Eurogroup meetings.

The minister identified three priorities for the period ahead: attracting European funds, accessing financing through the SAFE instrument, and continuing to reduce the budget deficit. His discussion with European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis covered the outlook for public finances, as well as payment requests 5 and 6 under the NRRP.

Nazare considers it realistic for Romania to receive approximately €1.2 billion by the end of the year through the first payment request submitted under SAFE, provided the assessment and approval are completed. The money would finance investments in defense, infrastructure, and industrial capacities.

For next year’s budget, the authorities must take into account public investment, spending on salaries and pensions, public services, defense, and the completion of the NRRP. The minister argues that deficit reduction must continue without sacrificing investment, through expenditure prioritization, reforms, and multiannual planning that protects the country’s credit rating and access to financing.