Romania's underground economy accounts for 13.1% of GDP, the highest share in the European Union, compared to countries such as the Czech Republic with 6.5%.

In 2023, Romania's underground economy will account for 13.1% of GDP, the highest in the European Union, in contrast to countries in the region such as the Czech Republic, which has only 6.5%. This comes against the backdrop of the budget deficit debate, where there are fears that tax hikes could stimulate the underground economy. However, data show a downward trend in the shadow economy, from 31.3% in 2000 to 15.1% in 2019.