Latest articles from Romania

To the Balkans and Beyond

May 5, 2009

Over the past decade, Greece's leading banks have expanded into south-east Europe. To remain competitive, however, they will now need to weather the financial storm and continue to focus on increasing their presence in the Balkans and the rest of eastern Europe. Writer Kerin Hope

Positive prospects in play

May 5, 2008

BCR’s interim CEO is confident that the bank’s transformation will allow it to capitalise on the opportunities presented by one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, he tells Philip Alexander.

Policy clash leaves economy vulnerable

July 2, 2007

In theory, joining the EU should force a country to adopt greater policy discipline. In practice, Romania’s muddy political waters and an appetite for spending are about to magnify its vulnerabilities, putting fiscal and monetary policy at odds, writes Adina Postelnicu.

The hard work begins

April 2, 2007

With EU accession and a strengthening economy, Romanians may be increasingly positive about their future, but tough challenges remain. Neil Tyler reports.

Entering the risk zone

December 4, 2006

As Romania prepares to join the EU next year, governor of the National Bank of Romania Mugur Isarescu talks to Adina Postelnicu in Bucharest.

Eager Romania guards against euphoria

November 6, 2006

Romania is due to join the EU in three months’ time, and its banking sector is heating up. Old and new players are vying for a bigger slice of the action in a country that is still underbanked. Adina Postelnicu reports.

NBR puts reins on lending

May 2, 2006

As Romania’s banks cash in on the surge in consumer borrowing, the central bank, concerned about a rising current account deficit, is placing stringent curbs on foreign currency lending. The measures are proving highly controversial.

Romania's main stock exchange has started to make gains

May 2, 2006

After a bear market and fund scandals, The Bucharest Stock Exchange’s market capitalisation is in the ascendancy. But more privatisation is necessary if the gains are to be consolidated.

Moment of truth

May 2, 2006

Despite significant structural change over the past five years, Romania faces daunting macroeconomic challenges as it gears up for EU membership. 

The future looks bright

December 5, 2005

Romania is speeding towards EU accession, as witnessed by the growing sophistication of its banking sector, and a stream of sell-offs. Tom Blass reports.

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