Competition, FDI & EU Law
Transactions in Romania can need approval from the Competition Council, the foreign investment screening committee (CEISD) or both. We assess filing obligations early, prepare the notifications and plan the clearances into the deal timetable.
Updated 28 October 2026 · General information, not legal advice
What we advise on
Foreign investment screening
Assessment under GEO 46/2022 and Regulation (EU) 2019/452, filings with CEISD and handling of information requests.
Merger control
Jurisdictional analysis under Competition Law 21/1996, pre-notification contacts and filings with the Competition Council.
Commercial practices
Review of distribution, exclusivity and pricing arrangements against competition rules.
EU law and state aid
EU regulatory requirements affecting Romanian projects, including state aid aspects of energy support schemes.
- Both regimes can apply. FDI screening and merger control are separate procedures with separate tests. A deal can need one, both or neither.
- Standstill obligations. Closing before clearance can expose the parties to fines and, for FDI, to measures affecting the investment.
- Sector sensitivity. Energy, transport, telecoms, digital infrastructure, finance and defense-related activities draw closer screening.
Do EU investors need FDI screening in Romania?
GEO 46/2022 applies mainly to investors from outside the EU, but it also covers some investments by EU investors in security-sensitive sectors. Each deal should be checked against the sectors and thresholds in the law.
What happens if a deal closes without merger clearance?
The Competition Council can impose fines calculated on turnover and can order measures to restore competition. Notifiable deals should include clearance as a condition to closing.
Tell us the decision you need to make
Describe the transaction or regulatory issue, the Romanian assets involved and your timetable.
Consultation