Pensions below 3,000 RON in some counties: major regional disparities across Romania

Pensioners in Romania are feeling the economic pressures more and more acutely, particularly given that pensions have not been index-linked. According to an analysis by Realitatea PLUS, the differences between counties are considerable: in some areas the average pension exceeds 4,000 RON, whilst in others it remains below 3,000 RON.

At national level, the pension system supports approximately 4.5 million pensioners, funded through contributions from the active salaried workforce. The ratio of pensioners to employees varies greatly from one part of the country to another.

Counties with the highest number of pensioners relative to employees

• Teleorman: 14 pensioners for every 10 employees
• Vaslui: 13 pensioners for every 10 employees
• Botoșani, Giurgiu, Mehedinți, Neamț: 12 pensioners for every 10 employees

By contrast, in București and Ilfov the situation is far more balanced, with approximately 4 pensioners for every 10 employees. This contrast reflects the growing strain felt in the counties of southern and eastern Romania, where the population is older and employment opportunities are scarce. Experts quoted by the source warn that, as the generation born during the communist-era birth policy reaches retirement age, the pressure on the system could increase further still.

Significant disparities in pension values too

The national average pension stands at approximately 2,800 RON. In București, however, figures are considerably higher – in Sector 1, the average pension reaches around 4,000 RON.

Average pensions of over 3,000 RON are also found in the counties of Constanța, Brașov, Prahova, Hunedoara, and Gorj. At the other end of the scale, in Buzău, Botoșani, Vaslui, Ialomița, and Olt, the average pension remains below 3,000 RON.

According to the source cited, social contributions paid by employees currently cover only approximately 80% of total pension expenditure. The remaining 20% is made up from other budgetary sources, including revenue from VAT and excise duties.