Business #27 Legislative focus

Last week, the MPs adopted the law declaring a state of crisis on Romania’s oil and fuel market until 31 October 2026. The new rules introduce temporary measures for fuel producers, refiners, importers and distributors, including limits on fuel mark-ups, a variable reduction in diesel excise duty, prior approval for certain fuel exports, additional reporting obligations and a revised solidarity contribution for crude oil producers. The crisis period may be extended by the Government if market conditions worsen.

Fuel producers, importers, refiners, distributors and retailers would need to adjust their pricing policies, reporting processes and export operations to comply with the new rules. Transport and logistics companies could benefit from the temporary reduction in diesel excise duty, while oil producers may face additional costs through the proposed solidarity contribution.

The new implementing rules for Romania’s employment incentive scheme was published last week in the Official Gazette. The new rules make the updated support measures operational, including a new stability bonus for young employees, expanded wage subsidies for employers hiring additional vulnerable groups, and clearer procedures and deadlines for accessing government incentives.

Employers hiring eligible jobseekers will have access to new hiring incentives, but will also need to comply with stricter application procedures and deadlines. Companies must submit the required documentation on time, monitor ongoing eligibility conditions and apply for subsidy agreements within the prescribed time limits in order to receive financial support.

The Finance Minister has signed the Applicant’s Guide for Romania’s new state aid scheme supporting manufacturing investments of at least RON 50 million. The guide sets out the eligible investment costs, the application requirements and the main conditions for keeping the aid, including starting the investment within six months, maintaining it for at least five years and meeting the required business performance indicators.

Companies planning large manufacturing investments in Romania can now prepare applications under the new scheme. To qualify, businesses must meet strict financial and operational requirements, submit applications electronically and maintain the investment for at least five years to avoid losing the funding.

Parliament has also adopted a law cancelling VAT, interest and penalties imposed on companies whose VAT registration was cancelled for certain administrative reasons, such as being declared inactive or failing to submit tax returns. The law also allows businesses to recover amounts already paid and prevents the tax authorities from issuing new assessments for these liabilities. The measure also covers companies whose VAT registration was cancelled under the previous Fiscal Code. Next, the President shall soon sign this law.

Companies whose VAT registration was cancelled for eligible administrative reasons may have outstanding VAT liabilities, interest and penalties cancelled and, in some cases, recover amounts already paid. The measure provides significant relief for affected businesses, while excluding cases involving tax fraud or other intentional misconduct.