Romania sees sharp rise in business insolvencies in first half of 2026

In the first six months of 2026, Romania recorded 3,855 insolvency cases for companies and sole traders, a 12.36% increase over the same period in 2025. Bucharest accounted for the highest number with 725 filings, followed by Bihor, Cluj, Timiș, Ilfov and Prahova. The bulk of new insolvencies were in wholesale and retail trade (229 cases), construction (210), transport and storage (132) and manufacturing (128).

At the county level, Vaslui saw 48 firms enter insolvency, up 152% from the previous year, while a total of 762 companies ceased activity in the county during the first five months, including 103 suspensions, 260 dissolutions and 399 removals from the trade register. These regional figures illustrate a broader downturn in the Romanian business environment.