The Economy of Romania
Schengen, the Euro and EU Funds
Romania joined Schengen for air and sea borders in 2024 and land borders in 2025, and aims to adopt the euro, while relying on EU recovery funds.
Deeper integration.
Schengen
Border checks were lifted at air and sea in March 2024 and at land borders in January 2025.
Euro
Romania is committed to euro adoption but hasn’t set a firm date, and fiscal criteria are not yet met.
Funds
It is a large recipient of EU funds under the recovery plan.
Absorption
Speed and quality of spending remain concerns.
A border crossing
Trucks travel faster after checks are removed.
Assuming EU funds are spent efficiently
Absorption capacity matters.
Key takeaways
- Schengen was joined in 2024-25.
- Euro adoption is a goal.
- EU funds are large.
- Efficient use is a concern.
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