As of April 30, 2025, Romania’s foreign exchange reserves at the National Bank of Romania (NBR) stood at EUR 62,414 million, a slight increase from EUR 61,993 million recorded on March 31, 2025.
During the month, the central bank registered EUR 6,662 million in inflows, primarily due to changes in credit institutions’ foreign currency-denominated required reserves, inflows into the Ministry of Finance’s accounts, and other transactions. Outflows totaled EUR 6,241 million, representing adjustments in required reserves, interest and principal payments on public foreign debt, disbursements from the European Commission, and various other payments.
The gold stock remained unchanged at 103.6 tonnes, yet its valuation increased to EUR 9,611 million due to favorable international pricing. Almost 60% of Romania’s gold is held at the Bank of England, a traditional safe-haven storage location for many central banks worldwide.
Combined, Romania’s international reserves—including both foreign exchange and gold—reached EUR 72,025 million at the end of April, compared to EUR 71,580 million a month earlier.
Looking ahead, the NBR anticipates EUR 436 million in payments due on foreign currency-denominated public and publicly guaranteed debt during May 2025.
Historically, Romania’s foreign exchange reserves have averaged EUR 30.5 billion since 2000, peaking at EUR 73.7 billion in September 2024. Gold reserves have remained relatively stable, averaging 104 tonnes, with no major acquisitions since 2002, when the NBR last purchased approximately 100 kilograms of gold.
Experts highlight that central banks hold international reserves as a buffer against crises, a tool for monetary policy, and an anchor for currency stability. Notably, 96% of central banks consider gold the safest investment, and global gold purchases since 2022 have totaled nearly 2,600 tonnes.
According to Tavex, a leading investment gold trader in Northern and Southeastern Europe, the primary purpose of holding gold is to preserve the purchasing power of money and to maintain financial independence from global market infrastructures.
