Romanian Economy Minister, Ștefan Radu Oprea, recently highlighted that since joining the European Union in 2007, Romania has received EUR 89.4 billion in EU funds. The net flow balance, which deducts Romania's contributions to the EU budget from the amounts received, has surpassed EUR 60 billion.

Oprea emphasized the significant improvements in Romania's economy and living standards, attributing these advancements to access to European funds and the benefits of being part of the common market.

Reflecting on the economic progress since 2007, Oprea shared some striking statistics on Facebook. Romania's nominal GDP escalated from RON 404.7 billion in 2007 to RON 1,401.3 billion in 2022. During this period, Romania achieved an average annual economic growth of 3.04%, ranking second in the region after Poland's 3.83% and surpassing the EU27 average of 1.2%. Additionally, the minimum gross salary in the economy rose from RON 390 on January 1, 2007, to RON 3,300 on January 1, 2024.

Oprea also pointed out the significant rise in GDP per capita at purchasing power parity, which increased from 40% of the EU27 average in 2006 to 76% in 2022. Notably, Romania has now overtaken Greece and Hungary and is closing in on Poland.

Countering the skeptics of EU membership, Ștefan Radu Oprea argued that Romania's economic achievements since joining the EU serve as compelling evidence of the benefits of being part of the Union.