The National Bank of Romania published balance of payments and external debt data showing that Romania's current account deficit narrowed to EUR 11.425 billion in January-May 2026 from EUR 12.075 billion in the same period of 2025. The improvement came mainly from a smaller goods deficit and a lower secondary income deficit, while the services surplus was broadly unchanged. At the same time, direct investment by nonresidents fell to EUR 2.195 billion from EUR 2.913 billion a year earlier, and total external debt increased by EUR 2.451 billion from end-2025 to EUR 230.914 billion. The goods deficit narrowed by EUR 536 million, the services surplus stood at EUR 5.602 billion versus EUR 5.606 billion a year earlier, the primary income deficit widened by EUR 146 million to EUR 3.734 billion, and the secondary income deficit narrowed to EUR 62 million from EUR 326 million. Foreign direct investment comprised EUR 2.540 billion in equity participation including reinvested earnings, while intragroup loans posted a net negative EUR 345 million. Within external debt, long-term debt reached EUR 183.922 billion, or 79.6% of the total, up 2.0% from Dec. 31, 2025, while short-term debt fell 2.4% to EUR 46.992 billion, or 20.4% of the total. The long-term external debt service ratio was 15.5% for the first five months of 2026, import cover was unchanged at 6.0 months, and foreign exchange reserves covered 102.4% of short-term external debt at residual maturity, down from 104.4% at end-2025. The central bank said the data are provisional and revised monthly. The next monthly balance of payments and external debt release is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2026.
National Bank of Romania2026-07-15
National Bank of Romania reports narrower current account deficit at EUR 11.4 billion in January-May 2026, external debt rises to EUR 230.9 billion
The National Bank of Romania said the current account deficit narrowed to EUR 11.425 billion in January-May 2026 from EUR 12.075 billion a year earlier, mainly because the goods and secondary income deficits improved while the services surplus was steady. Nonresident direct investment fell to EUR 2.195 billion, and total external debt rose to EUR 230.914 billion from EUR 228.463 billion at end-2025. Long-term debt made up 79.6% of the total, while short-term debt declined.