Romania had five regions included among EU’s 20 poorest areas in 2013, based on the GDP per capita expressed in purchasing power, according to Eurostat.

By comparison, in 2011, six out of Romania’s eight regions were included in the poverty top. Only the West region and the Bucharest-Ilfov area were excluded.

In 2013, the purchasing power in Romania’s Centre region reached 51% of the EU average, compared to 45% in 2011. The Centre region thus left the poverty top.

Romanians from the Bucharest-Ilfov area and the West region continue to have the highest living standards. In Bucharest, the purchasing power index represents 131% of the EU average. This is higher than the average national figures in France (107%), Germany (122%) or Denmark (124%).

editor@romania-insider.com