ANGAJARE
In a press conference, Alex Milcev, a member of the Board of Directors of AmCham Romania, warned that the labor force deficit in Romania could reach 224,000 individuals by 2026, compared to the current estimate of 145,000 individuals in 2022. This urgent issue significantly impacts the country’s economic capacity and requires immediate action.
Economic Impact and Projected Perspectives:
The analysis conducted for AmCham Romania by PwC shows that the economic impact of the labor force deficit for 2022 is estimated at €4.4 billion, representing 10% of nominal GDP growth. This amount is expected to double by 2026, reaching €9.5 billion if no adequate measures are taken.
Causes and Demographic Trends:
Alex Milcev emphasized that the loss of Romania’s population, which has continued over the past decade, is expected to intensify, with a projected decrease of an additional 1.1 million residents by 2030. This situation is also influenced by migration to other European countries, where demographic growth is occurring.
The Issue of Inactive Population:
Romania faces a significant number of inactive individuals, second only to Italy in the European Union, with 400,000 people who could contribute to the workforce but do not. Reintegration of these individuals could represent a valuable resource, and solutions should also address educational and employment factors.
Perspectives for Youth and Unemployment:
The situation of youth unemployment is a major concern, with two out of ten Romanians aged 15 to 24 seeking employment. This issue could also be viewed as an opportunity to address systemic errors, providing these individuals with integration and the chance to contribute to the labor market.
Immediate and Sustainable Solutions:
Alex Milcev highlighted that a quick solution would be attracting labor from outside the European Union, provided that legislative and administrative adjustments are made. However, he emphasized the need for long-term measures, such as activating or reactivating a significant number of existing talents within the country who are not currently engaged in the workforce.
The labor crisis in Romania not only represents a threat to economic growth but also serves as a call to action for developing sustainable strategies and policies that support the reintegration of the inactive population and ensure the country’s economic future. A coordinated effort between the business environment and authorities is needed to find adequate solutions and overcome this major challenge.
