Economic pressures drive rising food and living costs in Romania, Moldova, and EU

Economic data from Romania, Moldova, and the European Union highlight a significant trend of rising living costs and shifting household spending patterns. In the EU, Eurostat reports that food, housing, and transport account for 46% of total consumer expenditures, with food and non-alcoholic beverages being the largest single category.

In Romania, the decline in consumer spending is impacting the broader economy. An analysis by the Concordia Employers' Confederation indicates that consumption contributed negatively to GDP growth in the first half of 2026. Retail sales saw declines of up to 7.3% in June, while inflation reached a peak of 10.9% earlier in the year. The economic slowdown is further evidenced by a rising unemployment rate and slowing wage growth.

In Moldova, food and non-alcoholic beverages represent approximately 40% of household expenses, a figure that approaches 50% in rural areas. Economic expert Marin Gospodarenco notes that this high proportion reflects a low-income economy where residents must spend a larger share of their earnings on basic survival. This contrasts with the EU average, where food typically accounts for 13-14% of household budgets.