The entrepreneurial index dropped this year to 43.25 points, from 49.5 points in 2025, in conditions in which most macroeconomic indicators stagnated or registered decreases, while the dynamics of turnover and foreign investments were on the rise, data from the third edition of the report show.

'We meet today at the launch of the Romanian Entrepreneurship Index, the third edition that does not necessarily celebrate entrepreneurship, which shows a not exactly encouraging current situation. Last year, I made a prediction about what the index means, but I confess that I did not anticipate such a sudden drop in the score, because no one anticipated what is happening with the conflict in the Middle East. We all believed that the war in Ukraine would end, that the economic recovery was immediate for Romania and for Europe. Unfortunately, the situation is not exactly like that. We only have two indicators that are increasing, namely the dynamics of turnover and the dynamics of foreign investments. The rest are either at the same level or with extremely consistent decreases compared to previous years,' he declared on Friday. the president of IMM Romania, Florin Jianu, at the launch of the 'Romanian Entrepreneurship Index 2026.

In the entrepreneurial survey, the only indicator on the rise is confidence in one's own company, but the decline in other indicators led to a reduction in the index to 43.25 points, from approximately 49-50 points in previous years, signaling a move away from the level of emerging entrepreneurship.

'In the entrepreneurial survey, we have only one indicator that is better than last year, namely confidence in one's own company and in one's own powers, and in the fact that the entrepreneurial performance of oneself or each individual company will be better, not in terms of the evolution of the economy, not in terms of the entrepreneurial environment, exports, etc. These things presented by me lead to a score this year of 43.25 points. We had 49.5 points in 2025 and 49 points in 2024. We are slightly moving away from what emergent entrepreneurship means,' added the president of IMM Romania.

At the same time, he emphasized the need for a consistent dialogue between the authorities and the business environment and expressed hope that, through appropriate measures and economic stability, the index score could increase next year.

'I don't want to make predictions for next year. I hope we have a consistent dialogue during this period, to intervene as firmly as possible in the economy, in a dialogue with the business environment, with the Government, to have stability, to be wise in the interventions we have in common. This is the score we are starting from. I am convinced that we can have a more consistent score next year. If I have to make a prediction, I believe that we will grow next year, if we do the necessary things for the economy', Florin Jianu also said.

According to him, the index is based on 15 macroeconomic indicators from official sources, supplemented by a survey among entrepreneurs, with a weight of 75% for macro data and 25% for perception.

According to a press release submitted to AGERPRES, the entrepreneurial index for 2026 records the lowest score in the last 3 years, and reflects a state of almost generalized pessimism and distrust among local businesspeople.

Thus, bureaucracy, taxation, lack of access to financing and negative prospects regarding exports or investments are just some of the elements of a worrying picture regarding the prospects of the Romanian economy for this year.

'The data from this third edition of the Entrepreneurial Index confirms what entrepreneurs have been feeling for some time, namely that we are in an economic climate that is visibly deteriorating. War, geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility are not factors we can control, but the response to these challenges is in our hands. In conditions where the decline in domestic consumption compresses companies' revenues and margins are eroding at an accelerated pace, the solution lies in investments. The local business environment needs investments and access to financing, a predictable framework in which it can make decisions with horizons longer than six months. Otherwise, we risk not only a cyclical slowdown, but a generalized blockage with dramatic consequences for the economy', stated Florin Jianu, quoted in the press release.

The Index data shows that more than 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs (81.51%) believe that bureaucracy and taxation will have a negative impact on the business environment this year, hindering business development.

'Relevantly, less than 5% of entrepreneurs noted the existence of relatively more friendly conditions for business. At the same time, half anticipate a moderate increase in inflation and qualify the labor market as weak or very weak, mainly complaining about a significant skills deficit and an insufficient level of professional training,' note the representatives of SME Romania.

Regarding the evolution of Romania's exports, it is worth noting that none of the entrepreneurs anticipates a significant increase in 2026. Instead, the largest share (46.26%) believes that exports will stagnate, while almost 30% expect a moderate and/or significant decrease, the organization notes.

'Access to credit for companies in Romania is perceived as difficult or very difficult by almost 60% of respondents. None indicated in their answers that access to financing is very easy. And regarding investments, the general attitude is one of restraint. None of the business people surveyed anticipate a significant increase in investments, 37% believe that they will stagnate and 45% expect a moderate or significant decrease,' claim the authors of the research.

The objective criteria taken into account when compiling the Index did not indicate more encouraging results either. Economic growth slowed down in 2025 to just 0.7%, inflation rose to 9.70%, almost double the previous year, and the number of active companies decreased for the second consecutive year, the Index notes, IMM Romania specifies.

'Notably, however, positive elements were also identified, namely the stability of the exchange rate (which recorded the best score in the Index) and foreign direct investments, which increased in 2025 compared to the previous period analyzed,' the statement added.

The third edition of the Entrepreneurial Index was launched on Friday by IMM Romania during a debate event, which brought together businesspeople and decision-makers. The unanimous conclusion of the discussions was that the situation no longer allows for postponement, and the answer must come through concrete measures to simplify bureaucracy and stimulate access to financing for local businesspeople.

The Entrepreneurship Index, developed by IMM Romania in partnership with Banca Comerciala Româna, Pluxee Romania, Banca Transilvania and Groupama, is a complex tool for evaluating the business environment in Romania. It is made up of two components: an objective one, which includes a set of statistical indicators from official sources, and a subjective one, based on a survey of entrepreneurs regarding the business climate.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Nicoleta Banciulea, editing by: Mariana Nica;EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)