Economic Trends in 2025: Adapting and Innovating for Competitiveness

In a world undergoing a full-scale technological revolution and a global context marked by protectionist policies and the reshaping of supply chains, the business environment must adapt quickly to remain competitive. This was the main conclusion of the third edition of the Economic Trends conference, organized by the European Employers’ Association of Businesswomen (PEFA).

Andreea Negru, PEFA President, stated:
“We are in a moment of rethinking the economic order. Globalization is already changing, and the multipolarization of the world is taking shape. The trends the global economy is navigating now must be analyzed without value judgments, as much as possible. We’re talking about the redefinition of global trade, where taxes and tariffs are forcing the major economic powers to redefine their own development zones. We hear daily about increasing defense spending, and we understand that to maintain peace, we must prepare for war—and beyond that, we are witnessing the revolution of artificial intelligence.”

Economic Challenges: Caution in Public Policy and Efforts to Leverage European Funds

“From the perspective of the National Bank of Romania (BNR), one of the most closely monitored developments—due to its significant influence on economic forecasts and monetary policy conduct—is the full and timely absorption of European funds. These funds are, in the current context, the decisive source of financing for major investments in the economy,” said Cosmin Marinescu, Deputy Governor of BNR, at the conference.

He highlighted major economic risks such as inflation, the budget deficit, and market volatility. Regarding the business environment, he noted that unfortunately, companies in Romania are not very innovative—citing the 2024 Innovation Scoreboard—which limits their ability to add value or be globally competitive.

Lorena Stoian, PEFA First Vice President, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the business sector and authorities to tackle economic challenges:
“2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic and unpredictable year, where flexibility, innovation, strategic partnerships, and smart investments will be key to economic success. The Economic Trends 2025 conference brings together central public authorities and leaders from various industries to discuss the key directions of economic development and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.”

Defense Industry – A Driving Force for the Romanian Economy

Ștefan Radu Oprea, Head of the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, highlighted the new strategy of the national defense industry, which can become an essential pillar of the economy. He supported the adoption of a new law on industrial cooperation, which would stimulate domestic production and attract investments in the sector.

Present at the conference, Anca Dragu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, emphasized her country’s progress in digital payments. Moldova has been accepted into the SEPA area, which will ease euro transactions. Additionally, the instant payment system MIA has become a success, with over 500,000 users. According to her, over 65–70% of Moldova’s trade is with the European Union, and 30% is with Romania.

SMEs: Between Technology and Human Resources

Florin Jianu, PSD senator and representative of Romanian SMEs, pointed out that although small and medium-sized enterprises are investing more in technology, employee training remains insufficient. He stressed that innovation funding must be prioritized to support SME competitiveness.

He stated:
“From the perspective of SMEs, we’ve noticed a growing need, desire, and even reality when it comes to investments in new technologies. We’ve seen an approximately 50% increase in SMEs investing in technology and innovation. However, paradoxically, we haven’t seen the same growth in investments in human resources.”

Geopolitical Impact on the Romanian Economy – 0.8% of GDP Lost Due to Trump’s Trade War

Alexandru Petrescu, President of the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF), said that in the current geopolitical climate—where “the improbable becomes probable”—authorities and the business sector must collaborate to maintain a strong economy.

“We’re talking about unfortunate geopolitical circumstances that can be countered through alignment with economic and military alliances. The budget deficit can be reduced through better collection and by attracting foreign investments. The trade deficit can be diminished with solid investments, achievable by absorbing European funds. Additionally, we need to expand corporate governance and transparency,” Petrescu said.

Dan Armeanu, ASF Vice President, noted that the trade war started by former U.S. President Donald Trump will impact Romania’s GDP by 0.7–0.8%, and that increased defense spending will add at least 2 percentage points to the budget deficit, along with interest costs. According to him, these expenses will offset the deficit reduction targets agreed upon by the Romanian Government and the European Commission, amounting to about 3.5% of GDP.

In his intervention, Sterica Fudulea, President of the Economic and Social Council (CES), stressed the importance of social and civic dialogue behind any political decision:
“Political decisions are always the most visible. What’s not seen is the social and civic dialogue behind them. Unfortunately, we don’t have a culture of social and civic dialogue in legislative implementation. Often, discussions happen on the very day a bill is approved, which is not ideal. Social and civic dialogue are pillars of a democratic and balanced society, ensuring a cooperative framework for all stakeholders.”

Conclusion

In the face of new economic challenges, Romania must adopt innovation-stimulating policies, improve public spending efficiency, and maximize the use of European funds. The Economic Trends conference underscored the importance of collaboration between the public sector and business community to successfully navigate this period of economic transition.

About the Conference

The event was organized with support from strategic partners:

• The Department for Sustainable Development of the Romanian Government

• The National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men

• The Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism

• IMM Romania

• The Federation of Energy Employers (FPE)

• PIMM Brașov

• The National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest)

And with the involvement of key economic players, including:
Cloud 9 Residence Evolution, Cancom, IMSAT, BCR, CEC Bank, Banca Transilvania, Hidroelectrica SA, Transelectrica SA, Electrica SA, Exim Banca Românească, XTB, UNSAR, International Alexander, Reciclad’OR, Romanian Counter-Guarantee Fund, DO Security, Advanced Business Software, Diana Dragomir & Associates, Cosmetrice, Moov Leasing, ADAA, and DEEA Consulting & Communication.

Media partners: Antena 3 CNN, TVR, Prima News, Profit.ro, Canal 33, Agerpres, Financial Intelligence, stiripesurse.ro, Club Economic, Economistul, Transilvania Business, Ziarul Bursa, I AM News, News One, InvesTenergy, The Diplomat Bucharest, V4 Media, EM360, Club Antreprenor, Focus Energetic, Money.ro, Energy Industry Review, Iubim Brașovul.

About PEFA

The European Employers’ Association of Businesswomen (PEFA) is a patronal organization and a member of IMM Romania—the only nationally representative confederation for SMEs. PEFA promotes and supports gender equality and the role and importance of women in society and the economy. It offers entrepreneurs a strong platform to make their voices heard both nationally, in dealings with public authorities, and at the European level. PEFA represents its members’ interests—companies led by both women and men—in professional and international employer organizations.