Romania: the list of new sectors still has not been defined

Legal void.  Six months after the new Romanian Social Code came into force in July, the sectors planned in the text still haven’t been defined, to the great displeasure of union and employers’ representatives.  Last September already, unions sent an open letter to the then Prime Minister, Sebastian Lazaroiu, denouncing this legal “void.”  Since then, negotiations have started with the new Minister Sulfina Barbu, but they are not over.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

the sectors planned in the text still haven’t been defined, to the great displeasure of union and employers’ representatives. Last September already, unions sent an open letter to the then Prime Minister, Sebastian Lazaroiu, denouncing this legal “void.” Since then, negotiations have started with the new Minister Sulfina Barbu, but they are not over.

And yet, these sectors are crucial to the new wage bargaining system, since collective agreements are now going to be negotiated at this level.

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
2026 TRENDS — Tackling skills shortages and mismatches
mind HR is analysing the trends that will shape 2026. Skills shortages have become a central challenge for businesses, reflecting deep-seated shifts in the labour market as roles evolve rapidly...
Italy: government kicks off transposition of EU Pay Transparency Directive
On 5 February, the Italian government approved legislation transposing the EU Pay Transparency Directive, designed to tackle gender pay discrimination — a particularly acute issue in Italy. The...
10 February 2026
Romania: government imposes strict controls on labour immigration
On 26 January, the Romanian government adopted an emergency ordinance tightening the rules on the recruitment of foreign workers. The measure introduces an official list of labour shortage...
Germany: standoff over national plan to boost collective bargaining
Under the EU Adequate Minimum Wages Directive, Germany is required to produce an action plan to boost collective bargaining coverage. That plan has stalled, however, after being blocked by the...
9 February 2026
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Germany: government seeks to facilitate immigration of skilled Indian workers
During a visit to India earlier this week, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the strategic importance of attracting Indian workers to Germany, signing a series of cooperation agreements...
2
France: Medef publishes guide to support career transitions and retraining
France's largest employer federation Medef has provided its regional representatives with a practical guide designed to support career transitions and retraining. Structured around three key tools...
6 February 2026
3
EU: Commission wants to facilitate entry of international ‘talent’
In a recommendation published on 29 January, the European Commission calls on member states to take a series of measures to attract and retain international talent. It targets holders of skilled...
4
France: 2026 budget expected to maintain employer contribution relief
On 19 January 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu decided to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass France's 2026 budget without a vote in the National Assembly. Three days...
5
EU: Cyprus unveils its six-month presidency programme
Cyprus has set out its priorities for its six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. On the social front, the centre-right government will focus on the Union of Skills, which aims to boost...
6
Informal economy and slow wage growth hamper decent work, ILO says
The International Labour Organisation published its Employment ans Social Trends 2026 on 14 January. It anticipates unemployment stabilising in 2026 and employment growth of 1%, driven by...