Ukraine is reshaping its regional alliances to ensure long-term economic resilience. This fact sheet examines the transforming relationship with Romania, covering key pillars such as energy security, defense cooperation, logistics, and cross-border infrastructure. The brief was prepared with the active participation of Valerii Kravets, Program Coordinator, South and Wider Europe at GMF Bucharest Office.
Trade
Romania shifted from net importer to net exporter, achieving a €650 million trade surplus in 2024. This transformation is driven primarily by defense cooperation—€646 million in ammunition exports (more than 80% of Romania’s global total in this category)—alongside petroleum products (€359 million) and electricity (€111 million). Ukraine continues to supply Romania with essential industrial inputs including iron and steel products, cement, and agricultural commodities.
Energy
The emergency synchronization of Ukraine’s electricity grid with ENTSO-E on 16 March 2022, accomplished in just two weeks rather than the years typically required, established Romania as the first commercial electricity trading link with Ukraine. Capacity has expanded from an initial 100 MW to 1,050 MW, proving critical during Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in 2022-2023.
Defense
Beyond ammunition trade, Romania transferred a complete Patriot Configuration 3+ air defense system in October 2024—one of only a handful of NATO countries to donate an operational battery. Defense industrial cooperation has been formalized through multiple frameworks linking over 200 Romanian military manufacturers with Ukrainian counterparts.
People
Romania hosts approximately 195,000 Ukrainians under temporary protection (October 2025), making it the fifth-largest EU host country. A distinctive feature is that 59% of refugees in Romania express intention to return to Ukraine, the highest share among EU host countries, reflecting both geographic proximity and cultural affinity.
This fact sheet examines each dimension of Romania-Ukraine economic cooperation and identifies priority areas for deepening the bilateral partnership.
This brief is produced by Centre for Economic Strategy with the support of the Askold and Dir Fund as a part of the the Strong Civil Society of Ukraine – a Driver towards Reforms and Democracy project, implemented by ISAR Ednannia, funded by Norway and Sweden. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Centre for Economic Strategy and can in no way be taken to reflect the views the Government of Norway, the Government of Sweden and ISAR Ednannia.
