Bucharest is emerging as a key luxury retail destination in CEE, supported by rising purchasing power, growing tourism (over one million foreign tourists spent at least one night in the capital in 2025), and consolidation of prime high street locations, according to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.
Romanian developer Millstone, controlled by Johan Rogiers and Horia Chioseaua, has officially begun construction on a boutique residential project on Calea Victoriei, in central Bucharest, which represents a €18 million investment.
Bucharest-based Calea Victoriei, the main retail street in Romania, boasts a prime monthly rental level of €60 per sqm, which was 9% higher compared with last year, according to a Cushman & Wakefield report.
CEE is transforming from Europe's periphery into a defence industry powerhouse, according to a new KPMG study. The region's combination of cost efficiency, industrial capacity, and strategic location is attracting investment as European defence spending increases.
The EU's downward trend in transport costs ended abruptly in March 2026, with Romania emerging as one of the most heavily impacted member states.
ING Bank Romania reported a 5% increase in total revenue for 2025, surpassing RON 4 billion (€800 million).
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting energy price shock are putting additional pressure on Romania's economy, already affected by the EU's highest inflation, a major fiscal deficit and internal political risks, according to an eToro analysis.
In 2025, Romania recorded one of the highest shares of young entrepreneurs in the EU, with those aged 20–29 accounting for 10.3% of the country's self-employed population.