Energy import dependency, 2024
30%
Romania combined resilient economic fundamentals with one of Europe's lowest energy import dependencies.
Import dependency rate, EU-27, % · p. 17
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Chapter 01
Country Profile
Romania enters 2026 with slower growth, a stable labour market and an ageing population, while its diversified energy mix keeps import dependency and per-capita emissions among the lowest in the EU.
- In this chapter
- Key facts12
- Demographics13
- Unemployment in the EU14
- Primary energy mix15
- GDP growth16
- Energy import dependency17
- GHG emissions per capita18
Country Profile11
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Key facts
Country Profile 2025
Four numbers that summarise Romania’s economic, demographic and energy fundamentals. Each one links to the page where the evidence sits.
GHG emissions per capita, 2024
5.0t CO₂
A diversified energy mix and low per-capita emissions supported Romania's decarbonisation progress.
GHG emissions per capita, t CO₂/cap/yr · p. 18
Population aged 65+, 2026
20%
Population ageing emerged as a growing long-term challenge for labour markets and energy demand.
Population by age and gender · p. 13
Real GDP growth, 2025
1.0%
Economic growth moderated, while stable unemployment reflected continued macroeconomic resilience.
Real GDP growth rate, % · p. 16
Romanian Energy Market Annual Report12
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Demographics
Romania's ageing population and shrinking working-age cohort are expected to intensify long-term labour market and energy transition challenges.
Population by age and gender in Romania · persons, by single year of age, 2026
Fig. 1.1- The population pyramid reveals an ageing demographic, with a growing share of older age groups.
- Smaller younger generations indicate a declining future workforce and increasing demographic dependency.
- Women significantly outnumber men at older ages, reflecting higher life expectancy and ageing trends.
- Demographic ageing will increase pressure on pensions, healthcare systems and long-term economic growth.
Country Profile13
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Labour market
Romania's unemployment rate remained relatively low at 6.1% in 2025, supporting labour market stability despite economic slowdown.
Unemployment rate in the EU-27 · %, 2025
Fig. 1.2- Romania's unemployment rate of 6.1% remained below several Southern European economies in 2025.
- Labour market conditions remained relatively resilient despite moderating economic growth across the country.
- Romania recorded higher unemployment than most Central and Eastern European EU member states.
- A stable labour market supports household consumption and provides a favourable environment for long-term investment.
Romanian Energy Market Annual Report14
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Primary energy
Romania's primary energy mix remained diversified, with growth of renewables alongside declining coal and stable natural gas use.
Primary energy consumption by fuel in Romania · TWh, 2011–2024
Fig. 1.3- Coal's contribution to primary energy consumption declined substantially between 2011 and 2024.
- Renewable energy sources steadily increased their share, led by wind, solar and biofuels.
- Natural gas remained a key pillar of Romania's primary energy supply throughout the period.
- Romania maintained a balanced energy mix, reducing reliance on high-carbon fuels over time.
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Economy
Romania's economic growth slowed to 1.0% in 2025, continuing the post-pandemic moderation following the strong rebound in 2021.
Real GDP growth rate in Romania · %, 2014–2025
Fig. 1.4- Economic growth slowed to 1.0% in 2025, reflecting softer domestic demand and investment activity.
- Romania has entered a period of moderate economic expansion following the strong post-pandemic rebound.
- A more moderate GDP growth may constrain energy demand growth and delay investment across energy-intensive sectors.
- Despite slower growth, Romania has maintained positive economic expansion, avoiding a return to recession.
Romanian Energy Market Annual Report16
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Import dependency
Romania remained among Europe's least import-dependent energy systems, well below both the EU average and most neighboring countries.
Energy import dependency rate in the EU-27 · %, 2022–2024
Fig. 1.5- Romania's energy import dependency remained relatively stable between 2022 and 2024.
- EU average import dependency stayed above 60%, highlighting Romania's comparatively strong domestic energy production.
- Malta, Luxembourg and Cyprus remained Europe's most import-dependent energy systems.
- Romania ranked among the lowest import-dependent countries, alongside Estonia, Iceland and Sweden.
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Emissions
Romania recorded one of the EU's lowest per-capita greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting a comparatively lower carbon footprint.
Greenhouse gas emissions per capita by country · t CO₂ per capita per year, 2024
Fig. 1.6- Romania ranked among the lowest greenhouse gas emitters per capita in the European Union.
- Per-capita emissions remained below major economies including Germany, Poland, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- Luxembourg and Ireland recorded the highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the EU.
- Romania's relatively low emissions reflect its clean electricity mix and moderate energy consumption levels.
Romanian Energy Market Annual Report18