Romania ranks last in EU for non‑government credit share, while pensioners work most after retirement

A National Bank of Romania report shows that the non‑government credit share of Romania’s GDP stood at 22 % in the first quarter of 2026, far below the EU average of 66 % and leaving the country at the bottom of the European Union rankings. The report also notes a low ratio of banking assets to GDP (49 %) and limited financial intermediation, highlighting structural constraints in the Romanian financial sector.

Eurostat data indicate that 54.3 % of Romanian pensioners remain employed after retirement, the highest proportion in the EU. The majority cite financial necessity as the main reason for continuing work, far exceeding the EU average of 28.6 %. Bulgaria (53.6 %) and Croatia (48.2 %) follow, while most Western European countries report much lower rates. The findings reflect low pension replacement levels and higher cost‑of‑living pressures for seniors in Romania.