- Risk key
- Low
- MODERATELY LOW
- MODERATE
- MODERATELY HIGH
- HIGH
Romania Corruption Report
Snapshot
Corruption is a serious problem in Romania and raises the risks of doing business in the country. Foreign investors complain of complicated procedures, arbitrary application of rules and requests for bribes when resolving administrative tasks related to business operations. The Romanian Criminal Code and other supporting laws criminalize active and passive bribery, including bribery of foreign officials. A company can be held criminally liable for corruption offenses committed by individuals acting on its behalf. The government, however, does not enforce anti-corruption laws effectively and impunity is widespread. Early 2017 saw large numbers of protesters take to the streets of Bucharest to protest a decree that would have shielded many officials from corruption charges. The decree was ultimately rescinded. Petty corruption is a problem in Romania as irregular payments and bribes are common practice. The law does not distinguish between bribes and facilitation payments, and gifts and hospitality may be considered illegal depending on their intent and the benefit obtained.