Romania: Decisions of the Government After Tripartite Discussions

At the beginning of the month, the Government held tripartite discussions with the union and employer’s federations. After the meeting, it was announced that the parties agreed on rising the maximum amount that can be granted to employees as daily meal tickets from 40 RON (approximately 8 EUR) to 50 RON (approximately 10 EUR). The daily meal tickets have a special fiscal regime and are only partially subject to tax and social contributions making them a usual component of the benefits that the employers grant to their employees.

As a result of the same meeting, the Government also announced the maximum number of work permits that could be issued for foreign (non-EU/EEA) citizens for 2026 – 90.000, 10.000 less than the maximum number approved for 2025, even if the employers’ federations asked for an increase in the maximum number to 150.000.

At the same time, separate discussions were held regarding the level of the minimum wage for 2026, without the parties reaching an agreement. The employers’ federations are asking for a freeze in the level of the minimum wage while union federations ask for an increase of more than 10%. Discussions are expected to continue during the month of November.