Romania: Compliance

Romania is implementing significant changes to consumer protection law through Government Emergency Ordinance No. 18/2026, which transposes the EU Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive. The new framework introduces stricter requirements for environmental claims, durability guarantees, and pre-contractual information disclosures. Businesses operating in Romania must ensure compliance with these enhanced transparency measures by 27 September 2026.

Much of the discussion has focused on the postponement of the rules applicable to high-risk AI systems. While this is undoubtedly the most significant change for companies, it is far from the only one. The Digital Omnibus also amends a number of substantive AI Act requirements, while confirming that several important obligations continue to apply from 2 August 2026.

Romania's GEO 14 introduces a comprehensive overhaul of foreign labor access, replacing traditional work permits with a fully digital, centralized platform. The reform establishes stricter employer requirements, mandatory financial guarantees, and enhanced compliance obligations while creating new pathways for high-skilled workers. How will these sweeping changes reshape labor migration and employer strategies in Romania's evolving workforce landscape?