Romanian Competition Law Update

July 2026 – The first half of 2026 reflects a period of notable development in Romania’s competition and foreign investment landscape, marked by both legislative reform and active enforcement. The entry into force of several important updates to the country’s FDI screening framework brought clarity, efficiency, and alignment with evolving economic and security priorities. At the same time, the Romanian Competition Council (“RCC”) maintained a proactive stance in merger control, reviewing complex deals across strategic sectors while also advancing focused investigations into alleged anti‑competitive practices.

I. Latest updates

In March 2026, the Romanian government adopted a long‑awaited update to its investment screening rules through a new emergency ordinance (“GEO 17/2026”). The changes are intended to improve the system’s practical application and better align with current economic and security priorities.