The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank Group has approved a Development Policy Loan (DPL) to support the Romanian Government's efforts to strengthen fiscal sustainability, stimulate private sector development, and support job creation. This financing will contribute to opening new opportunities for citizens and companies, from easier access to finance for small businesses to the development of cleaner, more competitive industries and increased energy efficiency.
The USD 650 million loan (equivalent to EUR 544 million) comes at a critical time for Romania's economy. In 2024, the fiscal and current account deficits as a percentage of GDP were the highest in the European Union. The government has responded with a solid reform program aimed at bringing public finances back onto a sustainable path, while also laying the groundwork for stronger and more inclusive economic growth through a coherent and robust fiscal consolidation plan. This loan will support the continued implementation of the Government's reform agenda.
„România a făcut pași curajoși și necesari pentru a readuce finanțele publice pe o traiectorie sustenabilă, iar rezultatele încep deja să se vadă, prin reducerea deficitelor și scăderea costurilor de finanțare”, a declarat Yasser El-Gammal, Managerul de Țară al Băncii Mondiale pentru România și Ungaria. „Ne așteptăm ca aceste reforme ambițioase să restabilească sănătatea fiscală, să catalizeze investițiile private și să creeze locuri de muncă. Această finanțare reflectă încrederea noastră în eforturile constante ale României și parteneriatul nostru solid și de durată cu Guvernul„.
The loan is structured around two main pillars. The first pillar aims to restore fiscal sustainability by addressing structural vulnerabilities in fiscal policy and public spending, with measures envisioned to support fiscal consolidation and achieve a deficit level of 3% of GDP by the end of 2030.
The second pillar focuses on stimulating private sector-led economic growth and job creation by reducing key constraints to investment and competitiveness, including through improving access to finance, supporting innovation and digitalization, and ensuring reliable and affordable energy.
