The reconfirmation of Romania's sovereign rating highlights the confidence of international agencies in the authorities' capacity to continue fiscal consolidation and maintain macroeconomic stability, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare said on Friday, after the financial rating agency S&P Global Ratings reconfirmed Romania's sovereign rating at BBB-/A-3 for long-term and short-term debt, while maintaining the negative outlook.

'The reconfirmation of Romania's sovereign rating highlights the confidence of international agencies in the authorities' capacity to continue fiscal consolidation and maintain macroeconomic stability. Our priority remains the sustainable reduction of the budget deficit, the continuation of structural reforms and the capitalization of investments financed from European funds, in order to strengthen investor confidence and support economic growth in the medium term,' Alexandru Nazare stated in a release sent to AGERPRES.

The decision reconfirms Romania's inclusion in the investment-recommended category and reflects, according to the agency, the authorities' continued efforts for fiscal consolidation, in the context of domestic and external economic challenges.

According to the agency's assessment, the budget deficit is estimated to decrease to 6.5% of GDP in 2026 and 5.5% of GDP in 2027, compared to 7.7% in 2025, on the back of fiscal adjustment measures already implemented. At the same time, investments financed from European funds continue to represent an important factor supporting economic growth.

The report highlights the fact that the Romanian economy is going through a period of moderate growth, with an estimated advance of 0.25% in 2026, with the growth rate set to improve in the period 2027-2029, to an average of approximately 2.5%.

At the same time, the agency highlights the existence of risks, including those related to developments in international energy markets, inflationary pressures and the need to continue structural reforms, especially in the area of budget revenue collection.

S&P's analysis also highlights Romania's strategic advantages, such as its low dependence on energy imports (approximately 30%), one of the lowest in the European Union. This factor provides a degree of protection against resource price volatility caused by international geopolitical conflicts.

The negative outlook mainly reflects the risks associated with the implementation of fiscal consolidation measures and external economic developments.

According to the agency, a possible improvement in the prospects could take place under conditions of a significant reduction in deficits and a relaunch of economic growth.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Mariana Nica; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)