Romania reports surge in teenage runaways and youth joblessness

Official data show that since July 2025 Romania has recorded almost 11,000 reports of missing minors, an increase of about 1,000 compared with the previous period. Roughly 60% of these cases involve children leaving care homes or social housing, while the remaining 40% are voluntary departures from family homes. Psychologists note early warning signs such as withdrawal and mood changes. Police stress that they cannot immediately locate a missing minor’s mobile phone without evidence of danger, though a pending legislative amendment could speed up access to such data. A recent case involved a 15‑year‑old from Călărași who was found after eight hours at a friend’s residence.

At the same time, Romania’s labour market faces a sharp rise in youth unemployment. The National Institute of Statistics reports over 511,000 people registered as unemployed, with the unemployment rate for 15‑ to 24‑year‑olds reaching 28.8%—almost six times the adult rate. Young people such as 20‑year‑old Sebastian, who aspires to become a river mariner, and other recent graduates cite a lack of experience and low wages as barriers, prompting many to consider moving abroad. Legislative changes to the pension system are adding further uncertainty for job seekers.