Romania demographic and socio-economic trends

Romania continues to face significant demographic and socio-economic challenges, particularly regarding youth inactivity and educational investment. Data from the National Institute of Statistics shows a long-term decline in birth rates, with monthly newborns dropping nearly 33% over the last decade. In July 2026, registered births fell by more than 4% compared to the previous year.

Socio-economic issues heavily impact the youth population. According to Eurostat, over 60% of Romanians aged 15 to 29 live in overcrowded housing, a rate more than double the EU average. Additionally, the OECD ‘Education at a Glance 2026’ report confirms that the NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rate for Romanians aged 18 to 24 stood at 23% in 2025, significantly higher than the OECD average of 14%.

Educational attainment and investment also remain critical concerns. Only 19% of Romanian adults aged 25 to 64 hold university-level qualifications, compared to an OECD average of 43%. While secondary or post-secondary education levels exceed the OECD average at 56%, there is a noted decline in vocational qualifications among younger generations.

Public spending on education is below international standards. In 2023, education spending accounted for approximately 6.4% of total public expenditure and 2.6% of GDP, falling short of the OECD averages of 9.8% and 4.2%, respectively. Furthermore, access to early childhood education is low; only about 12% of 2-year-olds participate in care services, placing Romania at the bottom of European rankings, while the participation rate for children aged 3 to 6 is approximately 76%, below the OECD average of 90%.